– Solidarity-Through-Sport Movement to have hundreds taking part in Cork City Marathon on June 4th including many living in Direct Provision and from the Ukrainian community
– Putting out a last big call out for walkers and joggers to join us on the day
– Athletic stars such as Sonia O’Sullivan, Derval O’Rourke, Ailís McSweeney, Marcus O’Sullivan, Marian Heffernan and Aoife Cooke help Sanctuary Runners prepare
Sanctuary Runners are working on one last BIG PUSH to get as many people as possible to run, jog or walk with them in this year’s Cork City Marathon which takes place on Sunday, June 4th.
And what’s more some of Cork’s most cherished stars of the track have come to their aid by helping to train those already signed up.
In recent weeks the likes of Sonia O’Sullivan, Derval O’Rourke, Ailís McSweeney, Aoife Cooke, Marcus O’Sullivan and Marian Heffernan have given of their time to help train Sanctuary Runners in Friday evening sessions at the Mardyke in Cork.
Most of the Sanctuary Runner team will take on the 10km distance though some have signed up for the full or half marathon distance too.
All will wear the iconic Sanctuary Runner tops in the event to build a blue wave of solidarity, positivity and energy on the morning of Sunday, June 4th with a street party planned for when the participants cross the finish line.
And the team, suported by Cork City Council, will include runners from companies such as the RDJ legal firm in Cork and from secondary schools such as Coláiste An Phiarsaigh in Glanmire and the Nano Nagle College (formerly North Presentation) in Farranree.
“Its going to be an amazing day and so important that our city sends out a message of solidarity to all in our community including migrants – and especially asylum seekers and refugees,” said Sanctuary Runners’ founder Graham Clifford.
He added: “And the great thing is you don’t have to be a runner to take part. We’re calling on people to walk or jog the 10km distance in one of our blue tops too. Be part of this wave of positivity, of decency and of respect.”
Sanctuary Runners focus on solidarity and participants are not asked to fundraise.
To take part go to Corkcitymarathon.ie and once entered send us an email to Cork@Sanctuaryrunners.ie and we’ll sort out getting your running top to you. And when registering for the 10km distance you can click on the ‘10km Sanctuary’ option.
“This is our most special event of the year,” said Clifford, adding “We’re so, so grateful to our elite athletes, former and present, for all their help. Now more than ever its vital that decent people get an opportunity to show their solidarity. Let your feet do the talking, join us, bring a smile, bring positive energy, bring your friends and family – and we promise it will be a day you will never forget.”