Darndale’s 5km run to promote alternative activities to drug use

On Saturday, April 30, the community of Darndale are invited out to Darndale Park to take part in a 5km fun run which aims to promote alternative activities to crime and drug use.

Organised by local resident and professional triathlete Ger Redmond, the event is sure to be a “hive of life and colour,” he says.

Redmond is also an ambassador for the Get The Message Out campaign, which encourages people to get involved in constructive hobbies or local projects rather than crime and drug-related activity.

Get The Message Out was established by Northside Partnership, a development company working with locals, state bodies, public representatives, employers and trade unions to improve the lives of people in north-east Dublin.

The initiative informs young people and families of the dangers and alternatives to drugs and crime and supports those wishing to exit that lifestyle.

Father and ex-prisoner Redmond said sport and fitness had helped him turn his life around following the birth of his son, prompting him to organise the event.

Dr Jack Nolan, chair of the Darndale Economic and Social Plan implementation group, said such events were needed to show that communities affected by drugs have not been forgotten.

“We know we need to use every available means to positively help young people involved in the drug economy,” he said.

“Young people and their families need to know there is another way.

“The initiative provides support for young people and families caught up in drug-debt intimidation.

“It encourages people to consider a different way of life by highlighting opportunities, services and activities available to help them to reach their full potential.”

Redmond says that young people should not let their environment define who they are or what they want to achieve in life.

“I grew up in Darndale. I was involved in crime for about 18 years.

“I have a son now and I changed my life in 2016 to inspire him,” he said.

“Twenty-two months later I became a professional triathlete.

I never swam before. I found sport to be like a counsellor.

“I came up with the idea of a 5km because I wanted to spread positivity in the Darndale community.

“The people of Darndale do not see runs or races brought to their area.

“I wanted to show something different,” he says.

Redmond says he hopes the event will bring out the whole community.

“It will be a family day out to bring people together and create a great atmosphere.

“We want to promote healthy lifestyles through sport.

“We are bringing people together to highlight that this is a good community.”

The race will begin at 11am and there will also be a 1km run for younger children.

The back of every commemorative medal and t-shirt will include contact information for the Get The Message out campaign for those who may one day need it.

Further information about the day is available at www.northsidepartnership.ie