The rain stayed away when Sanctuary Runners launched the first group in Dundalk recently, its third group in County Louth to add to Ardee and Drogheda. Wearing the now famous blue Sanctuary Runners running tops, the group was warmly welcomed by everyone at parkrun, with Brenda, the parkrun director giving the welcome speech in a
The rain stayed away when Sanctuary Runners launched the first group in Dundalk recently, its third group in County Louth to add to Ardee and Drogheda. Wearing the now famous blue Sanctuary Runners running tops, the group was warmly welcomed by everyone at parkrun, with Brenda, the parkrun director giving the welcome speech in a Sanctuary Runners t-shirt! It was a warm and humid morning, some people ran and some walked, there were plenty of cheers of encouragement heard over the course. At the finish, everyone enjoyed some well-earned refreshments and treats, where lots of chatting and new connections were made. The morning was full of fun, energy and positivity.
John Olaide, Sanctuary Runners lead in Dundalk who was previously a member of the Poolbeg Sanctuary Runners in Dublin was enthusiastic about the next meet up, ‘It’s so nice to see people of all ages and abilities getting to know each other and smiling. If you want to run, jog or walk come along and meet us at parkrun. Everyone here is so friendly.’
The new Sanctuary Runners Dundalk group offers local residents and the international community an opportunity to walk, jog or run together in a spirit of friendship. Sanctuary Runners welcomes adults of all ages, fitness ability and gender and will meet twice a month in Dundalk, one of 42 groups all over Ireland. The charity plans to continue its expansion in the North and globally. The model supports communities to get to know each other, fosters community integration, improves physical and mental health and has been endorsed by the United Nations.
‘Sanctuary Runners received a very warm welcome in Dundalk,’ Anna Pringle, CEO Sanctuary Runners, she thanked all involved adding ‘Sanctuary Runners is based on a simple idea – bringing people together to run, walk, chat, and drink tea. This creates a natural space for members of the community to get to know each other where everyone enjoys the benefits of exercise, friendship and respect.’
Sanctuary Runners makes participation very simple, there’s no membership fee or commitment, just come along. All participants receive a free blue t-shirt, which gives people a sense of belonging right away as everyone ‘runs as one’.
Ryan McShane Senior Sports Officer, Louth Sports Partnership welcomed Sanctuary Runners to Dundalk, ‘ We are pleased that this award-winning initiative has now launched in Dundalk to add to the active groups in Ardee and Drogheda. It’s great to see so many nationalities at the first event. We know that bringing people together through sport and exercise regularly has wide ranging benefits.’ Louth Local Sports Partnership are delighted to support the Sanctuary runners groups in the county.
For more information about joining the Dundalk Sanctuary Runners Group contact Michelle michelle@sanctuaryrunners.ie, and watch out for information on the next meet up!
