How a race bridged some of the gap to direct provision

From left: Graham Clifford, Aodhan Clifford, 7, Deborah Onaif (Nigeria), Aoife Clifford, 9, and Molly Clifford, 12, about to cross the finish line at this year's Cork Marathon on June 3 Clare Keogh

Some events capture the imagination of a community and bring out the best in it. The Cork Sanctuary Runners initiative brought together marathon competitors from 40 different countries in a first-of-its-kind initiative.

Formed to enable Irish people run alongside, and in solidarity with, those living in direct provision, the success of the maiden initiative at this year’s Cork City Marathon has inspired the organisers to go national.

“We had 200 runners: 150 of ...