The Sanctuary Runners is up and running in Co. Tyrone.
Runners, joggers and walkers in blue have established a group in Dungannon, the first in the county and Mid Ulster.
Using sport to bring together people from all backgrounds including long-term residents and those new to the community, it will meet for regular lunchtime walks, jogs and runs, with many also set to take part in the local parkrun each Saturday morning in keeping with groups across Ireland.
Led by the First Steps Women’s Centre in Dungannon the group got off to a great start when it launched in March and plans to build over the coming months.
Speaking at the launch of the first group in Mid Ulster, Anna Pringle, CEO of Sanctuary Runners, said: “Dungannon is the perfect place to start our first group in Mid Ulster and it was such a pleasure to come and meet everyone. There’s an amazing local team that is very enthusiastic. Running and walking together is a simple but powerful way to build connections in the community. We hope this group will be the first of many across Mid Ulster.”
Since starting in Cork in 2018, Sanctuary Runners has grown into a movement of more than 40 groups across Ireland, the UK, Australia and beyond.
Rosie McCreanor, Project Manager at First Steps Women’s Centre who is behind the new Sanctuary Runners group in Dungannon, said: “Sanctuary Runners is a brilliant fit for our Unity in Diversity project. We’re creating practical ways for people to meet, build trust, and feel a sense of belonging across Mid Ulster. Sport is a powerful tool for bringing communities together, and Sanctuary Runners has proven it. We’re excited to see people lacing up their trainers, meeting new neighbours and sharing smiles and miles.”
Everyone who joins the Dungannon group will receive a free Sanctuary Runners top, proudly carrying our values: Solidarity, Friendship and Respect.
If you’re in the area, come along, get your blue top, and be part of something special!
Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Rosie at fswc.rosie@gmail.com