Setting the Pace: Longford Sanctuary Runners mark four years of solidarity at the Longford Marathon

Sanctuary Runners Longford are calling on new members to join their running, jogging and walking group as they mark four years together. People from Longford of all fitness levels are invited to join in the award-winning solidarity-through-sport initiative and meet or join those new to the community.  

Longford has been a long-time supporter of Sanctuary Runners, founded in Cork in 2018. In 2019 Gavin McHugh, together with runners and walkers from Longford, from local direct provision centres and people who have moved to the area have come together to run or walk in solidarity, friendship and respect.

Gavin said ‘We come together at Longford parkrun and events across the country to get outdoors and exercise together. It's been brilliant to build friendships and connections among the group. We would love to get an evening walk or run going in the town with some new members who are interested in a very special, social group like this. It's such a simple initiative but a powerful force for bringing communities together’.

Longford and Termonfeckin Sanctuary Runners took part at the Abbott Longford Marathon events last Sunday morning running in the 5k and Marathon races. It marked four years since the group started in the town.

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Nino, a Longford Sanctuary Runner originally from Zimbabwe, said ‘When I ran back in 2019 it was one of the first local events I took part in and it meant a lot to be part of the Sanctuary Runners team. Four years later and we are still coming together to run in solidarity and friendship!'

Caption: Gavin and Brian from Longford Sanctuary Runners after the 5k race

Sanctuary Runners focus on community integration and doing something with rather than for those new to the community. Sanctuary Runners has attracted the support of almost 10,000 runners, joggers and walkers over the years – with almost a quarter of those being people who either are, or were, living in Direct Provision.

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Ailís McSweeney, Ireland Lead Manager with Sanctuary Runners said: “We’ve received great support from the people of Longford for our work. We’ve seen over the years how running or walking shoulder-to-shoulder on one team can be such a vital tool for community integration, for welcoming people who might be isolated and looking to make new connections– and also for building stronger communities. Also, it's lots of fun and good for everyone’s health.” 

If interested in joining Sanctuary Runners in Longford please contact Gavin at longford@sanctuaryrunners.ie. 

Caption: Members of Termonfeckin Sanctuary Runners, who also run with Drogheda and District AC, celebrating Fatih Zitouche’s successful first marathon in Longford