Sanctuary Runners celebrate success in first year park run

THE Tallaght Sanctuary Runners celebrated their first birthday with a cake after their weekly run in Dodder Valley Park last weekend.

The Sanctuary Runners are composed of locals, people in direct provision and refugees, with the aim of fostering integration and friendships within the community.

When the Tallaght branch of Sanctuary Runners began in May last year, a group of 30 took part, but the group has continued to grow since then and has become something of a success story.

Naoimh Mahon, who helped to set up Tallaght Sanctuary Runners, told The Echo: “We must be getting about 50 or 60 people every week now.

“People are coming from Citywest, Kilbride, Dundrum and Sandyford.

“It’s been a massive success, and it’s really adding to the Parkrun [which takes place concurrently].

“It’s been really positive, and you get to know different people from different parts of the world.”

One of the runners, who is in direct provision, recently joined Sanctuary Runners in a voluntary capacity to give back to the group and is planning to volunteer in other ways in the community.

“He has made friends now and he feels like he’s part of the community, and it’s given him confidence and improved his social skills,” added Naoimh.

This is just one of the many success stories that have emerged out of Tallaght Sanctuary Runners, and which were celebrated on Saturday morning.

The volunteers and the runners all gathered in a marquee in Dodder Valley Park after they finished their run to cut a cake to mark the occasion.

Mayor Alan Edge, who was there on the day to celebrate with the runners, told The Echo: “I think it’s been such a fantastic year for the Tallaght Sanctuary Runners.

“The benefit to international protection applicants, refugees and to the local community has been massive.

“It has created an opportunity for people to come together in sport, build new friendships, and build awareness of how diverse our communities are.

“It’s an absolute success story, and fair play to all of the volunteers.”

When asked what her hopes are for the continued development of Tallaght Sanctuary Runners, Naoimh said she’d like it to continue to grow and for more locals to come on board.

“We just hope to continue on and keep going, and I’d like to see more people from the local community getting involved.”

The Tallaght Sanctuary Runners meet every Saturday morning at 9.30am at the Dodder Valley Parkrun, and all are welcome to take part.