· A first-of-its-kind run for transition year students dedicated to celebrating diversity, integration and solidarity
· 200 + students to take part on Cork Marathon Day 2026
· Sending a strong signal that Cork is a ‘City of Welcomes’
Hundreds of secondary school students from across Cork City and County will take part in a new event celebrating diversity, integration and solidarity on May 31st.
The ‘NextGen Solidarity 10k’ replaces the former Youth Challenge – a 10-kilometre run for students within the Cork City Marathon.
Sanctuary Runners, Ireland’s leading solidarity-through-sport initiative, is partnering with Cork City Council, and the marathon sponsors Analog Devices, to develop a race which specifically champions solidarity with ALL in the community – including those who have moved to the rebel county from other countries – be that to work, study or find safety and sanctuary.
Around 250 transition year students from eight secondary schools across Cork will participate and as part of their preparations they will train with Sanctuary Runners and get a better understanding of the challenges facing many in our communities when it comes to developing a sense of belonging.
Sanctuary Runners founder Graham Clifford said this new initiative is a hugely exciting development in Cork.
“When we go into classrooms we see young people from a wide diversity of backgrounds – all getting along and showing respect to each other. Often that wonderful dynamic can be thriving in a school setting but sadly lacking outside the school gates. So, we want to bring that soundness, that hope, that decency to the streets of Cork on May 31st and show that the younger generation can be leaders in building communities where there is no place for othering, racism or bigotry, they can be our flagbearers of solidarity. After all Cork is the ‘City of Welcomes’ so let’s see that in action.”
All students taking part in the NextGen Solidarity 10k will wear the iconic blue Sanctuary Runner t-shirts which carry the words solidarity, friendship and respect on them.
In addition to the students taking part in the Solidarity 10km on May 31st the Sanctuary Runners will bring hundreds of participants taking part in the day’s races – including many living in direct provision.
Eamon Hayes, Director of the Cork City Marathon said: “We’ve been delighted to work with the Sanctuary Runners since 2018 and we feel the values they champion should form the foundation for our marathon. That’s why we are developing the NextGen Solidarity 10km – to celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging in our great city. Runners set the pace, they lead the way with passion and positive energy, our students will be doing that and we’re so proud to support their efforts on May 31st.”
The NextGen Solidarity 10k was launched by the Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy at Coláiste Éamann Rís in Turners Cross Cork.
Sanctuary Runners has five groups across Cork which meet weekly to run, jog or walk together to build community integration – in Cork City, Mallow, Fermoy, Cobh and Youghal. To get in touch just drop an email to info@sanctuaryrunner.ie
Graham Clifford explains: “You’d don’t need to be a runner to be a part of the Sanctuary Runners family – indeed about half of our participants across Ireland are walkers. Once you bring a smile and an open mind everyone is welcome. As we always says ‘Just be sound‘”
For more information about the NextGen Solidarity 10k event email: Sports@corkcity.ie