- The ‘Run’ enables people across the world to show their solidarity with people who are forcibly displaced and those living in extreme poverty
- A Sanctuary Runners’ initiative supported by Irish Aid – which this year celebrates its 50th year in existence
- The Global Solidarity Run takes place on Saturday, October 19th and already people in 60+ countries taking part
The Tánaiste, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD joined Sanctuary Runners from across the world on the marina in Cork to promote the upcoming Global Solidarity Run – which is due to take place on Saturday, October 19th.
The Global Solidarity Run is a unique event that will see thousands of people in over 60 countries around the world run, jog or walk in a show of solidarity with people living in forced displacement or extreme poverty.
Those taking part can run, jog or walk any distance anywhere. All they are asked to do is wear the colour blue and share an image or short video clip of their efforts to social media using the hashtag #GlobalRun2024.
Alternatively, people can join the ‘Sanctuary Runners’ group on Strava.com (Ireland Club | Sanctuary Runners on Strava) and share their efforts and images there.
The worldwide event is coordinated by Sanctuary Runners, a multi-award-winning solidarity-through-sport movement founded in Cork in 2018 which now has 40-groups nationwide and brings Irish residents, international protection applicants and refugees together through running and walking. The Global Solidarity Run is being supported by Irish Aid, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, and the Ireland Funds.
From the Solomon Islands to Seoul, Pretoria to Algiers and from New Delhi to Los Angeles, sporting organisations, charities, community groups and individuals have signed up to take part.
Participants will also take part in regions of the world where conflict is causing so much hardship at present including Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar and Somalia.
The event’s aim it to enable people to show solidarity with all those who are forcibly displaced and those living in extreme poverty.
Calling on organisations, clubs and individuals across the world to put their best foot forward, Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD said:
“In places like Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East, millions of people have been forced from their homes by conflict, while many millions more around the world continue to experience hunger. Irish people have always shown compassion and support to those in crisis. The Global Solidarity Run will see people all over the globe jog or walk to demonstrate their desire for a better world. I would encourage everyone to get involved and make this a truly unique and global show of solidarity.”
There is no fundraising element to the event or no formal registration enabling people in every corner of the world to take part easily.
Sanctuary Runners will base themselves in Limerick City on the weekend of the event where they will capture the efforts of thousands of people across the world, including Irish people living abroad, and share images online throughout the weekend.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin with members of the Sanctuary Runners organisation by the Marina in Cork City to help promote the Global Solidarity Run which is taking place across the world on Saturday, October 19th. The initiative, supported by Irish Aid and the Ireland Funds, will enable people in over 70 countries to take part showing their solidarity with those who are forcibly displaced and people living in extreme poverty.
Graham Clifford, Sanctuary Runners founder and Head of International Development, said:
“The run starts in the Solomon Islands on Friday, October 18th which is of course the 19th there. A group of islanders will take part on a beach on one of the islands. It’s a fitting place to begin as climate change and rising sea levels are forcing people to leave their islands and move elsewhere.”
He continued: “We will tell the story of the day on our social media channels in real time and see this wave of positivity, decency, humanitarianism and respect spread across the world. This initiative aims to bring everyone across the world together for one run on one day as one team of equals – but of course people can also walk, jog or roll if they want.”
Sanctuary Runners who come from other countries originally are also asking their family and friends in their home countries to take part on the day reinforcing the concept of this being one global team or equals.
To find out more go to Ireland.ie/GlobalRun and if you have any queries email GlobalRun2024@Sanctuaryrunners.ie