The Sanctuary Runners in Sligo
A national movement which helps bring Irish residents and those in Direct Provision through running is in Sligo.
The Sanctuary Runners, a not-for-profit group, was set up by journalist and broadcaster Graham Clifford in February, 2018 and already has over 1,200 runners across Ireland in nine different locations.
These include Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Wicklow, Waterford, Killarney, Longford and Athlone.
“This initiative enables Irish residents to show they care. Through the simple act of running with our friends in Direct Provision we are able to better understand who they are and the system in which they live. Also of course its a pursuit which is healthy for the mind and body. This is not a charity but rather a way of showing solidarity with our fellow humans at a time when there is so much division, fear and ignorance in the world,” explained Clifford.
“I’m very excited about bringing this project to the North West. Our group nationally includes people from every walk of life, from farmers to dentists, students to accountants, nurses to bus drivers and journalists to musicians – everyone is welcome,” explained Clifford.
He added: “We have partnered up with the national parkrun movement and our hope is that the Sanctuary Runners in Sligo will be able to participate in the Saturday morning run, jog or walk at the beautiful Doorly park each week. We’ll also aim to include Sligo Sanctuary Runner teams in local races from time to time. And you don’t have to be a runner to become involved. We have members of all different shapes, sizes, ages and abilities.” Every Saturday Morning at 9:30 at Doorly Park.
Currently there are 218 residents in the Globe House Accommodation centre in Sligo.
To find out more about the Sanctuary Runners please visit Sanctuaryrunners.ie, find us @Sanctuaryrunner on Twitter or email us at Info@Sanctuaryrunners.ie or sanctuaryrunnerssligo@gmail.
