Over 1000 kids and parents packed out Clanna Gael GAA Club for the inaugural Dublin Run Kids Run event last May, with Olympic Gold medallist Kellie Harrington and Irish Rugby legend Gordon D’Arcy in attendance to inspire the young runners.
Run Kids Run is a social impact initiative which aims to bring communities together through fun and fitness, while raising vital funds for schools to invest in their pupils’ futures. The programme provides a bridge between businesses and their local communities, offering a unique opportunity to connect, engage, and invest in the future.
Girls and Boys from local DEIS and national schools had the chance to meet and chat to the sporting heroes before hitting the track, with parents, teachers and carers also putting on their trainers to support the event which raised over €70,000.
The funds will go directly towards important long-term projects for the schools. The fun run was generously supported by local businesses, including headline sponsors Coopers Cross Development and Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, with each participating school receiving €5,000 for long-term school projects.
The event was also sponsored by Red Rock Developments, 3RE Capital Ventures, MARK/BCP Capital, Avestus Capital Partners, Eastdil Secured, Chadwicks Dublin, Mason Hayes Curran, Glass Bottle and Arthur Cox, with Junior Parkrun Ireland providing valuable support.
Run Kids Run started in the UK in 2020 with the support of Bohill Partners and has already raised an incredible £850,000 for underfunded schools in London.
Emily Bohill, founder of Run Kids Run celebrated the initiative’s inaugural event in Dublin, saying: “We are absolutely thrilled with the success of our inaugural Run Kids Run event in Dublin. Well done to the 11 participating schools, whose enthusiasm and commitment made the day so special. We are also incredibly thankful to our generous sponsors, including Coopers Cross Development and Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, for their vital support in helping us raise crucial funds for these deserving schools, and to junior parkrun Ireland for their support also. Finally, a huge thank you to our amazing ambassadors, Kellie Harrington and Gordon D’Arcy, for inspiring the young runners and lending their star power to this important cause. We are excited to continue building on this success and making a lasting impact on the lives of students in Dublin.”
Speaking on the success of the programme on behalf of Coopers Cross Development, Kennedy Wilson Chief Sustainability Officer, Peter Collins said: “This was a wonderful initiative, and we were delighted to support its debut here in Ireland. It was fantastic to see so many kids and parents out there on Saturday, embracing fitness and community spirit. We also want to extend our sincere thanks to Kellie and Gordon for lending their support and inspiring these young runners. Their presence truly made the event special.”
Danielle D’Ambrosio, on behalf of Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, added: “We’re incredibly proud to have supported Run Kids Run and witness the positive impact it had on our community. It was truly heartwarming to see so many children and families enjoying the event, embracing fitness, and coming together in such a positive way. We are delighted to play a part in supporting this project, knowing that the funds raised will directly contribute to important projects within these schools, ultimately strengthening our community as a whole.”
Planning has already begun for the next Run Kids Run event in Dublin in 2026. To find out how you or your business can support the event, head to runkidsrun.org and follow their socials.
Participating Schools:
St Mary’s NS; St Columba’s NS; St Patrick’s BNS; St Patrick’s GNS; St Vincent’s GNS; Rutland St NS; Our Lady of Mercy; RMDS; Star of the Sea and Scoil Mhuire.
