Sanctuary Runners is a solidarity-through-sport initiative which uses running, jogging and walking to bring together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and all Irish residents.
With groups across Ireland we are currently expanding internationally. Our model allows communities to get to know each other, fosters community integration and improves physical and mental health.
As a non-political group that focuses on positive action, we operate under the principles of solidarity, friendship and respect. We do not aim to be the fastest running team in the world…but definitely the friendliest!
See the Sanctuary Runners website.
Sanctuary Runners come from over 20 different countries. They include Irish residents, people who have moved to Ireland for work or study, people seeking international protection, and refugees, including Ukrainian refugees.
You can read about Direct Provision on the Sanctuary Runners website.
Running brings people together and has a positive impact on our wellbeing. It also allows local communities to do something with, rather than for, each other.
Sanctuary Runners showing up together in a visible way is a powerful image of many nationalities coming together in solidarity.
In some areas there are weekly get-togethers, but in others they can be monthly or focused more on preparing for a specific event. Across Ireland and the UK, Sanctuary Runners groups frequently take part (walking, jogging, or running) in their local 5k parkrun on a Saturday morning, which is free to participate in. You do not have to be a runner to join…But you do have to smile!
Membership of the Sanctuary Runners is free, all members get our blue running top free of charge and are not asked to fundraise. Sanctuary Runners entering formal races (e.g. Cork City Marathon, Great Limerick Run, Longford Marathon etc.) pay the regular entry fee.
Absolutely! Local groups would be delighted to have your support. We also run at many 5k ‘parkrun’ events on Saturday, and many Sanctuary Runners volunteer at parkrun rather than run or walk.
While the Sanctuary Runners is a registered charity (RCN 20206637) we don’t ask our members to fundraise.
Sanctuary Runners are non-political and our focus is on solidarity, friendship and respect.
Yes, please see the Sanctuary Runners Code of Conduct.
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