Sanctuary Runners in Mayo. Photo: Adam Kaczmarek Photo:

The Sanctuary Runners arrive in Mayo

The Sanctuary Runners, a national movement based on solidarity between Irish residents, asylum seekers and refugees, has arrived in Ballyhaunis.

With 1,200 members across Ireland, including over 300 from Direct Provision centres, the initiative uses running to bring people together and raise awareness of the Direct Provision system.

It is already established in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Sligo, Longford, Killarney, Waterford, Galway, Athlone and Wicklow.

The Old Convent accommodation centre in Ballyhaunis caters for 245 residents making it fifth largest Direct Provision centre in Ireland.

On Thursday next week, September 19, the new Sanctuary Runners group will join others in a local Couch-to-5k run in Ballyhaunis – with the kind help of the Mayo Sports Partnership.

“We can’t wait to get going in Ballyhaunis,” explains Graham Clifford, founder and national co-ordinator of the Sanctuary Runners.

He continued: “This eight-week programme will help people, of all backgrounds and of all abilities, to build up to running 5k in comfort. We hope locals will join those from the Old Convent centre in taking part in this programme.

"Running is one of the easiest ways to meet others and in running shoulder-to-shoulder we share the same space in friendship. For many in our asylum system, especially in smaller towns, the motivation to stay busy can become eroded. Activities and opportunities to meet others can be limited. We in the Sanctuary Runners want to inject energy into local communities so that initiatives inspired by solidarity and respect can bring people together.”

This week the Sanctuary Runners gathered to kick off the initiative and were joined by local athletics hero Frank Greally, now the Athletics Ireland Ambassador for the Daily Mile.

He said: “There is a lovely reach-out and genuine welcome for everyone from the running community in Ireland. A great example of this is how the running community welcomes, encourages, supports and embraces the Sanctuary Runners groups all over the country.

"Athletics Ireland is a long-time supporter of the Sanctuary Runners and it was a pleasure to join with the Mayo Sports Partnership in Ballyhaunis this week to pledge our support to the Sanctuary Runners in my hometown. Running is a great way to connect communities.”

 Charlie Lambert, coordinator of the Mayo Sports Partnership, added: “Mayo Sports Partnership, through the Ballyhaunis Sports Hub, is delighted to be associated with the Sanctuary Runners project as it ties in perfectly with our plan to provide more opportunities for people to be physically active and improve participation levels through focusing on key target groups.

"This project responds to the needs of our growing cultural diversity by providing pathways for social inclusion with the prospects of building strong links within the community in a sustainable way whilst increasing physical and mental wellbeing.”

To join the Couch-to-5k group in Ballyhaunis contact Elmer Pieterse on 087 3347824 or Tracy Cunnane on 086 0618126.

And to become a member of the Sanctuary Runners drop email info@Sanctauryrunners.ie