Olympic hero Sonia O'Sullivan leads the way for runners in the Breast Cancer Ireland's Great Pink Run

Almost 5,000 people, including many women who had survived a battle with breast cancer, turned out in their pink tshirts for the poignant event.

The event, held in the Phoenix Park, was hosted this morning and runners were spurred on by Olympic silver medalist Sonia O'Sullivan.

Also in attendance was model mum Vivienne Connolly with her kids Ben (11) and Katie (8) and cancer survivor, author and Xposé contributor Emma Hannigan.

Now in its fifth year, the race involves a 5k Family Fun Run, Jog or Walk The Dog as well as a 10k challenge for more advanced runners.

Participants were kept entertained with face painters, a DJ boot and huggables.

The run raised an incredible €115,000 from entry fees alone, which will be donated to Breast Cancer Ireland for research purposes.

The Great Pink Run with Avonmore Slimline Milk as lead sponsor ensures that all funds raised through entry fees and individual sponsorship goes directly to fund our ongoing research and awareness programmes nationally.

Commenting on her participation Sonia O’Sullivan said. “Like so many others I have been touched by this devastating disease and I am proud that, by doing something I love so much, I can help to raise awareness and funds which will go directly into research, and which might one day lead to a cure.”