Did that really happen? It’s the question we keep hearing after an extraordinary day at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin on Sunday, October 11th, when more than 800 people of all backgrounds, from every corner of Ireland, came together to create an unforgettable wave of blue, joy and solidarity at the national flagship event
Did that really happen? It’s the question we keep hearing after an extraordinary day at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin on Sunday, October 11th, when more than 800 people of all backgrounds, from every corner of Ireland, came together to create an unforgettable wave of blue, joy and solidarity at the national flagship event of our third Global Solidarity Run.
Our biggest event ever was so much more than a run, walk, jog or wheel. It was a joyful celebration of friendship and belonging and a powerful message to the world that solidarity is something we can all put into action.
Opening the event our Patron, President of Ireland Catherine Connolly, paid a heartfelt tribute to Sanctuary Runners, saying our work is for the good of society not just here but all over the world and in particular made mention of the dedication of our volunteers across our more than 40 branches around Ireland, whose commitment exemplifies our ethos of solidarity through sport.
A particularly special moment came when nine-year-old Delfina Isabel Fumaroni presented Uachtarán na hÉireann with a personalised Sanctuary Runners top featuring a quote from her inaugural speech last year when she outlined her vision for “A Republic worthy of its name where everyone is valued and diversity is cherished.”
Addressing the crowd President Connolly spoke passionately about the importance of solidarity in a world where so many people face displacement, poverty and inequality.
“Today, people from communities all over Ireland have gathered to run, walk, jog and wheel in solidarity with people who have been forcibly displaced around the world, and with anyone living in extreme poverty.
“In a world where 117.8 million people are forcibly displaced, and 10% of the global population (or 826 million people) live in extreme poverty, today’s powerful message of solidarity could not be more relevant.
“And even more so, where the response to that displacement and migration is tightening borders and increasing restrictions on movement and ultimately placing people in even more danger. I have no doubt that many of you here today have had direct experience of this.
“Furthermore, our model of unsustainable endless growth, which has brought untold wealth to a small few, has widened inequality and accelerated the existential threat of climate change – the effects of which are already disproportionately impacting, and displacing, the world’s poorest people.
“In this context, today’s event which takes place as part of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, shows us the power of the community in championing diversity, in cherishing our shared humanity and in imagining a more compassionate and empathic future.
“I believe that Ireland’s current EU Presidency is a golden opportunity to lead in this regard, to build bridges, to break down barriers and to change the narrative to reflect the gift of multiculturalism.
“Ireland’s own evolution into a multi-cultural and multi-lingual country over the last three decades has been momentous. Over 200 languages are now spoken in this country, and 20% of the population were born outside of Ireland, and our culture and society are all the richer for it.”
The 5K run, jog and walk was just one part of an afternoon packed with energy, music and celebration.
The wonderful Fermoy International Choir, a 50-strong collective representing 15 nationalities captivated the crowd and impressed Uachtarán na hÉireann with an exultant rendition of Trasna na dTonnta.
Then it was time for Stevie G of Cork’s Red FM to take to the decks, bringing an electrifying mix of high-energy world music which had people dancing together throughout the afternoon.
With a beautiful sunny autumnal sky overhead, new friends were made and old friends reconnected and the overriding atmosphere was one filled with smiles, laughter and joy.
The 2026 event was part of the Government’s programme of public events marking the Presidency of the EU. The Global Solidarity Run was supported by Irish Aid, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Ireland Funds, the European Commission Representation in Ireland, Sport Ireland and Athletics Ireland.
Our CEO, Anna Pringle, expressed her gratitude to President Connolly and all the partners whose support and commitment helped make the National Solidarity Run such a resounding success. She reminded the sea of blue participants that “We are here today as part of the Global Solidarity Run, which is taking place this weekend. In many countries around the world, people just like us are wearing their blue t-shirts and running or walking together to show solidarity with people who have been displaced and those living in extreme poverty. It is more important than ever that we stand in solidarity with people who are less fortunate.”
A massive thank you to everyone who came, ran, walked, wheeled, volunteered, performed, supported and cheered. It did really happen because you made it happen.
