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July 19, 2024
Irish charity, Sanctuary Runners, has announced the ‘Global Solidarity Run’ which aims to get one million people around the world running, jogging or walking on October 19. The event is part of its continued efforts to work in solidarity with forcibly displaced peoples and those living in extreme poverty. The project was launched during a UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency international conference on displacement last month.
Sanctuary Runners was established in Cork, Ireland in 2018 to strengthen ties between asylum seekers and local Irish residents. The movement has since expanded to the UK, across Europe and internationally, with its virtual runs reaching New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Zimbabwe, Dubai and other cities. It includes over 15,000 members across 8,000 runner groups in 40 locations. The organization strives to foster community integration and improve physical and mental health under the principles of solidarity, friendship and respect.
A UN report recently revealed that 120 million people have been forcibly displaced globally due to conflict, violence and human rights violations. This record high crisis affects 1.5% of the world’s population. Sanctuary Runners is an award-winning ‘Solidarity-Through Sports’ organization, which has supported displaced peoples during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine.
The global event is a chance for everyone to participate as one team in support of displaced peoples, asylum seekers and refugees. The day will start on the Pacific islands of French Polynesia and work westwards through Australia, Asia, Africa, Europe and on to the Americas. The organization will track the event in real-time online, sharing images from across the globe.
The initiative is supported by Irish Aid, the Ireland Funds and Strava. Through Strava – a social network for athletes – runners around the world can take part in the Global Run. The event also marks the 50th anniversary of Irish Aid, which has worked with partners globally to create a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world. Sanctuary Runners is asking for organizations, groups and individuals to take part and post on social media using the hashtag #GlobalRun2024. Learn more on how you can participate here.
Beyond Sport Network member Sanctuary Runners was an entrant of the 2019 Beyond Sport Global Awards.
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