Festival of Running in Jobstown to support homeless charity VISIT
By Hayden Moore
A FESTIVAL of Running is being organised by a new community-based running group, with all of the proceeds going to local charity VISIT.
The Jobstown Running Club (JRC) will undertake a half-marathon, 10k and 5k runs next Saturday morning in aid of VISIT, a Tallaght-based charity that supports homeless people and people in need of assistance in the surrounding area.
Members of Jobstown Running Club will take part in the half marathon in aid of VISIT
The free club, which launched over the May Bank Holiday weekend, has already established itself as an outlet for the people of Jobstown, bringing the community together through exercising and socialising.
“We don’t need the money at the moment, maybe more towards Christmas we’ll take in a few donations for a party for the kids or whatever, but we’re a free club,” founder of Jobstown Running Club, Stephen Martin, tells The Echo.
“A few of the members were saying that they fancied doing a half marathon and then we just thought that we’d do it and give all the proceeds to a local charity.
“So we started having a look around and a few members had volunteered with VISIT in the past so we decided we’d do it for them.
“They do good work helping homeless people and those in need of help, so we’re happy to help them in any way we can.”
A Jobstown resident, Stephen got the idea to start the club from his growing frustration with the lack of resources and outlets in the area.
With that, the club has recently linked in with a community organisation dedicated to cleaning and maintaining the Whitestown Stream, the Jobstown Stream Action Group.
“We’re going to be giving them a hand with clean-ups and what not,” Stephen says.
“We just want to get people out engaging in their community.”
The JRC Festival of Running will take place on Saturday, June 5, with the half marathon starting at 7am, 10k at 8am and 5k at 9.30am. Entry is €5 with all proceeds going to VISIT.
Stay tuned to The Jobstown Running Club on Facebook for updates.
