Moy Miles Run Club is making a difference
Members of the Moy Miles Club at one of their recent events.
A run club set up in Ballina in recent months is getting people active and social in the local community and has also raised vital funds for worthy causes.
Moy Miles Run Club was set up by locals Rebecca Doherty and Kate Tuffy who had been living in Australia and Dublin respectively and returned to Ballina around the same time.
Both had been actively involved in run clubs whilst living away and saw a void in the local community for a similar type of club.
“We moved home around the same time and there wasn’t really a similar club here,” said Kate. “We said it to each other a few times while out running, wouldn’t it be class if there was a run club and then one week we said, sure will we just set one up?”
The two ladies set up a social media account to spread the word and Moy Miles began to grow, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages and abilities for some fresh air, exercise and, some would say most importantly, coffee.
“This has been open to anyone of any age and ability. Some are just coming for the coffee afterwards or they might just walk the route instead of running. It is a great way to get out and get fresh air,” said Kate.
Rebecca says the response has been tremendous.
“It can be hard to push yourself to get involved in these things but every week there has been someone new. I was so surprised at the amount of people living in Ballina who have moved here for work or because their partner is from here and they don’t really know anyone. It’s a nice way to get to know people, even if you’re just coming for the coffee afterwards."
“A lot of people have said to us how nice it has been to make friends through Moy Miles,” added Kate.
Rebecca said they are hoping to keep it up for as long as they can through the winter months and they have already held runs in floodlit areas. The club recently held a fundraiser 5K run in aid of Croí and Kate said they intend to raise funds for other causes in future.
Visit moymilesrunclub on Instagram to find out how to join them for their next run.
