Over 700 runners took part in the third annual Darndale ‘Another Way 5K’ at the local park on Saturday.
Darndale’s famous community spirit was again to the fore at the event.
It forms part of the Get The Message Out campaign to steer young people away from addiction and crime and support those determined to exit that lifestyle.
Ex-prisoner and now full-time triathlete, local man Ger Redmond, who works to combat crime and addiction, created the major running event with Stephen Coughlan of Archways Systemic Family Support.
Established in 2022, the 5K has grown to become one of the biggest events of its kind in the city.
And its success has already prompted founder Ger to establish a running club in the area, with the help of his friend, Anthony Brady.
This year’s event was promoted by the newly-formed Coolock Running Club for the first time.
The new club is developing a strong network in Darndale.
It is one of a number of projects backed by the Darndale Together Implementation Oversight Group, a Dublin City Council initiative to tackle longstanding, complex and engrained issues in Darndale.
According to Dr Jack Nolan, the chair of the Darndale Together Implementation Oversight Group, such events are needed to show communities affected by drugs they are not forgotten.
“The Get The Message Out Darndale Another Way 5K encourages people to consider a different way of life by highlighting opportunities, services and activities available to help them reach their full potential,” said Dr Nolan.
Other supporting organisations included Archways Systemic Family Support, Northside Partnership, The Dales Centre, Sphere 17 Regional Youth Service, Slainte Care Healthy Communities, Active Cities, Dublin City Council Sport and Wellbeing, Dublin City Council North Central Area Office, Darndale Football Club and An Garda Síochána.