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Impact Study 2024

In 2024, Sanctuary Runners continued to grow as a powerful, community-led movement using sport to build connection, solidarity and inclusion across Ireland.

  • 5 new Sanctuary Runner groups were established during the year
  • 135 volunteers supported local groups as leads and organisers
  • Sanctuary Runners is now active in Castlebar, Co Mayo, expanding our reach into new communities
  • Members expanded into trail running and mountain biking, strengthening wellbeing and community integration

 

A major milestone was reached in October 2024, when the largest group of runners seeking international protection ever to run a marathon took part, with a 100-strong Sanctuary Runners team participating in the Cork City Marathon.

Health and Wellbeing

Since joining Sanctuary Runners, members reported significant improvements in both physical and mental wellbeing.

Impact stats – health and wellbeing

  • 78% report improved physical wellbeing
  • 67% report improved mental wellbeing
  • 58% say their level of stress has decreased
  • 52% feel less isolated
  • 53% feel less lonely

Sanctuary Runners continues to provide a low-barrier, welcoming space where movement, routine and social connection support both physical health and emotional resilience.

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Integration, friendship and belonging

At the heart of Sanctuary Runners is the belief that integration happens best side by side, through shared experiences rather than formal programmes.

 

Impact stats – integration and friendship

  • 82% of all members (Irish and migrant) have made new friends since joining
  • 66% of migrant members find it easier to establish friendships with Irish people
  • 75% of Irish members find it easier to establish friendships with migrants
  • 73% of migrant members feel more confident engaging with their local community

These findings show that Sanctuary Runners continues to successfully break down social barriers and create genuine, two-way relationships.

Cultural understanding

Participation in Sanctuary Runners also deepens understanding across cultures.

Impact stats – cultural understanding
73% of Irish members feel they have a better understanding of other cultures
71% of migrant members say they know more about Irish culture and society

Running, walking and swimming together creates space for informal conversation, curiosity and learning — often where deeper understanding begins.

Engagement, advocacy and solidarity

Sanctuary Runners plays an important role in encouraging members to become more engaged, informed and active within their communities.

Impact stats – engagement and advocacy (Irish members)

  • 73% have more interest in migration issues
  • 74% are more aware of integration issues in their community
  • 65% speak up more on racism or anti-migrant topics
  • 81% have formed friendships with people in Direct Provision

Members are also more likely to extend their involvement beyond Sanctuary Runners:

  • 51% of Irish members are more likely to join or volunteer with another local community organisation
  • 56% of migrant members are more likely to do the same
  • 74% of all members feel a stronger connection to their local community

A shared experience, a shared Impact

Sanctuary Runners continues to demonstrate that sport is a powerful tool for social inclusion — not because of performance, but because of presence, consistency and shared purpose.

As one Sanctuary Runner reflected in October 2024:

“Sanctuary Runners put a rainbow in my cloud.”

Looking forward

The findings from 2024 reaffirm what Sanctuary Runners has always stood for: that when people move together — literally and figuratively — communities become stronger, kinder and more connected.

They also highlight the ongoing need for initiatives that do things with people, and not for people, and that create space for friendship, dignity and mutual respect.

The full study can be found in the link below.

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Community Connection, Health and Wellbeing Among Sanctuary Runners

Researchers from the University of Galway, led by David Healy and in collaboration with members and former staff of Sanctuary Runners, carried out a qualitative study across 2024 and early 2025 to explore how participation in Sanctuary Runners supports health, wellbeing and community connection. Through interviews with members from groups around Ireland, the research found that Sanctuary Runners provides a safe, welcoming space that helps reduce isolation and stress, while fostering a strong sense of belonging and shared values. The findings highlight that, beyond the physical benefits of running, it is the regular social connection, bringing people together across cultures over time, that plays a central role in improving wellbeing and strengthening community integration.

Read About The Research Findings