Run for Enda programme expands to Australia

THE Run for Enda programme, a cornerstone of preparation for the Omagh Half Marathon, has helped Irish expatriates residing in Australia achieve a similar feat at the weekend.

The initiative operates under the auspices of the Enda Dolan Foundation, established in memory of Killyclogher student, Enda Dolan, who tragically lost his life when he was struck by a drunk driver a decade ago.

Led by Enda’s father, Peter Dolan, more than 300 participants engaged in the weekly Run for Enda training programmes for last Sunday’s Omagh Half Marathon and 5K in Omagh this year.

And under the guidance of Enda’s sister, Dervla, 37 runners undertook similar preparation for a half marathon in Melbourne on Saturday.

“We did the exact same training programme as at home, with our speed sessions on a Wednesday evening and the long runs on a Saturday morning,” Dervla told the UH.

“I was the only coach, but I still had amazing numbers taking part, and the group included many people from Ireland, North and South, some from England and two Australians.”

Despite logistical challenges posed by the urban setting of Melbourne, Dervla ensured seamless route planning by personally scouting and recording the long run routes in advance.

“The trickiest part for me was trying to find the long run routes each week in such a busy city,” she noted.

“So I ran them myself the day before, and I did a video as I was running so everyone would know the route in advance.”

Reflecting on the experience, Dervla expressed gratitude for the support network that has developed around the Run for Enda programme in Omagh and Australia.

“Many friendships have been formed through both training programmes, and the community that has been built for people who have moved away from home has been amazing,” she added.

The Melbourne contingent of 37 runners dedicated their efforts to fundraising for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, and generated an impressive £2,500.

Dervla expressed gratitude for the generosity of donors, saying, “As Run for Enda is such a massive part of my life, I had no doubt that I would bring it with me to Australia.”