Join Sanctuary Runners at Dún a Rí
Expressions of interest are being sought for a new Sanctuary Runners group at Dun a Rí Forest Park, with a first gathering planned for 11am this Saturday, October 17. Runners can meet at the back entrance of the park [A81 HF86]. Participants will receive a free Sanctuary Runners t-shirt. Refreshments will be served after the 5km walk, jog or run.
Supported by the Department of Justice, Monaghan Sports Partnership and Monaghan Volunteer Centre, the initiative aims to bring together local residents and people seeking international protection through walking, running and social interaction.
Founded in Cork eight years ago by Graham Clifford, Sanctuary Runners has grown into a nationwide movement with 43 groups.
“While out running, he came up with the idea of bringing people together in a gentle, non-threatening and regular way,” explained Michelle Morris, Development Officer with Sanctuary Runners. “The first group started around a Parkrun in Cork and from there it has grown to 43 groups.”
Describing the initiative, Ms Morris said Sanctuary Runners is “a solidarity-through-sport movement that brings people together through running, walking and chatting”.
“It's not a club. Everything is free. There's no membership fee and nobody is ever asked to fundraise,” she added.
The organisation welcomes walkers as well as runners, including parents with buggies, older people and anyone looking for gentle exercise.
“For people living in Direct Provision, or those seeking International Protection, it offers an opportunity to get out, be active and meet members of the local community without anything feeling forced,” Ms Morris said.
Although founded to promote integration, she said the benefits extend to everyone involved.
“A lot of Irish participants tell us they've never really had the opportunity to get to know people from different backgrounds. Through running, walking and chatting together, barriers disappear. It's a very gentle and natural way for people to get to know each other.”
Ms Morris said the proposed Dun a Rí group has already attracted strong support.
“It has been a real multi-agency effort,” she said.
Encouraging local people to attend, she added: “We're particularly keen to hear from local people because the whole point is to create opportunities for local communities and people seeking protection to get to know one another.”