One last push!

“It’s going to be an amazing day and so important that our city sends out a message of solidarity to all in our community including migrants – and especially asylum seekers and refugees.”

Those were the words Sanctuary Runners’ founder Graham Clifford as the group made one last big push to get as many people as possible to run, jog or walk with them in this year’s Cork City Marathon which takes place on Sunday 4 June. Some of Cork’s most cherished stars of the track have come to their aid by helping to train those already signed up.

In recent weeks Sonia O’Sullivan, Derval O’Rourke, Ailís McSweeney, Aoife Cooke, Marcus O’Sullivan and Marian Heffernan have given of their time to help train Sanctuary Runners in Friday evening sessions at the Mardyke.

Most of the Sanctuary Runner team will take on the 10km distance though some have signed up for the full or half marathon distance too. All will wear the iconic Sanctuary Runner tops in the event to build a blue wave of solidarity, positivity and energy on the morning of Sunday 4 June with a street party planned for when the participants cross the finish line. Graham added: “And the great thing is you don’t have to be a runner to take part. We’re calling on people to walk or jog the 10km distance in one of our blue tops too. Be part of this wave of positivity, of decency and of respect.”

The team, suported by Cork City Council, will include runners from companies like RDJ and from secondary schools like Coláiste An Phiarsaigh in Glanmire and the Nano Nagle College, formerly North Presentation, in Farranree.

Sanctuary Runners focus on solidarity and participants are not asked to fundraise. To take part go to Corkcitymarathon.ie and once entered send an email to Cork@Sanctuaryrunners.ie who will sort out getting a running top to you. When registering for the 10km distance you can click on the ‘10km Sanctuary’ option.