Up to 1,200 people from communities across Ireland will come together at Sport Ireland Campus on Sunday, October 11, for a National Solidarity Run – the flagship Irish event of the third annual Global Solidarity Run. The event, organised by Sanctuary Runners, will bring together people of all backgrounds and abilities in a joyful celebration
Up to 1,200 people from communities across Ireland will come together at Sport Ireland Campus on Sunday, October 11, for a National Solidarity Run – the flagship Irish event of the third annual Global Solidarity Run.
The event, organised by Sanctuary Runners, will bring together people of all backgrounds and abilities in a joyful celebration of unity, inclusion and solidarity, with participants running, jogging or walking the Sport Ireland National Cross Country course in Blanchardstown.
Members of Sanctuary Runners’ 40-plus diverse groups across Ireland will join participants from diplomatic communities, some well-known sports people and other supporters in a powerful bid to show solidarity with people who have been forcibly displaced or are living in extreme poverty.
The 2026 event is set to be bigger and more international than ever. Part of the Government’s programme of public events marking Ireland’s EU Council Presidency, the Global Solidarity Run is supported by Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ireland Funds, the European Commission Representation in Ireland, Sport Ireland and Athletics Ireland.
Representatives from EU member states will take part in the event which will be opened by President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, who is also patron of Sanctuary Runners.
Speaking at the launch at Sport Ireland Campus, Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Neale Richmond, said:
“Showing support and solidarity for people in displacement and poverty is central to Ireland’s work around the world. At a time of unprecedented humanitarian need, Ireland is bucking the trend globally by continuing to increase its investment in development and humanitarian aid. The 2026 Global Solidarity Run is a sign of our enduring commitment to standing in solidarity with the people in the world left furthest behind.”
Expressing her gratitude to Minister Richmond and all of the partners for their support and commitment to making the Global Solidarity Run a success, Sanctuary Runners’ CEO Anna Pringle said: “It is more important than ever that we stand with people less fortunate.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our shared humanity. It promises to be a truly joyful, uplifting and impactful occasion – a day filled with energy, friendship and solidarity, and a powerful reminder of the positive difference we can make when we come together.”
Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, also attended the launch. She said: “At Sport Ireland, we’re very proud to continue our partnership with Sanctuary Runners and to host this event on the Sport Ireland Campus.
“Sanctuary Runners do great work in fostering emotional and social support by uniting people through regular runs and other shared physical activities. It’s a great example of how sport has a tremendous power in strengthening community integration and we’re delighted to welcome so many people to the Campus to take part in it.”
Peter Power, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland: “Sport is unrivalled when it comes to bringing people together, regardless of backgrounds and experiences. EU values of solidarity, inclusion and respect are all central to sport. The National Solidarity Run illustrates strength through togetherness.”
While Dublin will host the flagship Irish event, the Global Solidarity Run will see running and walking events taking place around the world, creating a truly global celebration of solidarity.
Last year, Irish diplomatic missions, organisations, clubs and individuals in almost 100 countries took part, including 66 Irish embassies and consulates. That global movement is set to grow again in 2026.
The initiative brings the multi-award-winning Sanctuary Runners movement together with an expanding network of international partners, including GAA International, the London Marathon Foundation, the Olympic Refuge Foundation, UNHCR, Sport Ireland and Athletics Ireland.
The 2026 Global Solidarity Run will begin and finish in Kenya, while connecting communities across every corner of the planet.
The Dublin event at 12.30 on Sunday, October 11, will have a particular focus on Ireland’s EU Presidency and will provide an opportunity for people from across Irish communities and international partners to come together through sport.
The Global Solidarity Run offers people everywhere the opportunity to make a positive statement of solidarity and to stand together with people affected by displacement, poverty and humanitarian crises.
A limited number of tickets for the Dublin event are being made available to the public.
The tickets will be available from 9am on Tues 8th Sept
For further information or requests for interviews, contact Eileen Martin, Communications Manager, Sanctuary Runners on 087 968 2108 or eileen@sanctuaryrunners.ie
The Sanctuary Runners is a solidarity-through-sport initiative that uses running, jogging and walking to bring together everyone in the community regardless of their nationality, age, legal status, ethnicity, religion, age, gender or sexual orientation.
