Cork Sanctuary Runners recognised at humanitarian awards

A Cork charity has been recognised at the seventh annual Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards.

The ceremony, which took place at the Royal College of Physicians last Thursday, saw six awards presented to successful nominees across a range of categories.

Among the winners were Cork Sanctuary Runners —an initiative that uses running, jogging and walking to bring asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and Irish residents together — who received the Community Organisation of the Year award, presented by Uniquely.

Founded in Cork by Graham Clifford in 2018, the Sanctuary Runners have since expanded across 40 locations in Ireland and the UK.

The group made history at the Dublin Marathon last year, when their team of 70 runners included 25 individuals seeking international protection in Ireland —marking the largest group of asylum seekers to complete a full marathon globally.

Their diverse team, with members from countries including Botswana, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ukraine, demonstrated how sport can create powerful bonds of solidarity across cultural differences.

“When we told our multi-cultural family of runners and walkers that the Red Cross was recognising us for our work, there was a wave of gratitude,” said Mr Clifford.

“Whether the person came from Ireland or Syria, Afghanistan or Venezuela, Palestine or Myanmar, everyone has an equal respect for the Red Cross and everything it stands for.

“We stand taller today because of this recognition.”

Others recognised at the awards include Angela Hayes of the Thomas Hayes Trust, who received the Humanitarian of the Year award, supported by Bewleys; Lauren Jones Brennan received the Young Humanitarian of the Year award, presented by Forsa; Sorcha Pollak received the Humanitarian Journalism Award; AIB received the Corporate Impact Award, presented by Business Plus, DMG; and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.