A new community running club in north Wexford has enjoyed an incredible start after reaching 100 members in less than two weeks…
Courtown Run Club (CRC), founded by Lee O’Neill, Dano Kenny and Karyn Mooney Manders less than two weeks ago on Thursday 9 July, has quickly become one of the area’s fastest-growing community initiatives, bringing together people of all ages and abilities with a focus on fitness, friendship and inclusion.
The CRC are not an athletics running club, but more of a community running club.
“We don’t want anyone doubting themselves or feeling they’re not good enough to join,” Lee said.
The 100 member milestone was celebrated at Bella Luna, which hosted the club’s first social gathering and generously provided food for members.
Speaking after the club reached the landmark figure, one of the organisers, Lee O’Neill, said the response from the local community had exceeded anything the founders had imagined.
“Myself, Dano and Karyn are absolutely blown away by the support shown by this incredible community, local businesses, our friends, our families, and complete strangers who believed in what we’re trying to build. Today, Courtown Running Club reached 100 members in less than two weeks. Seriously… what the hell?” he said.
O’Neill said the club had already brought together an amazing group of people, with every run and conversation reinforcing why the trio decided to launch the initiative.
“We’ve met some incredible people, heard some amazing stories, and got to know the people that make this community so special. Every conversation, every run, every walk and every smile reminds us why we started CRC.”
He explained that the vision was never simply to create another running club, but to build a welcoming community where everyone feels included.
“At the end of the day, we’re just three Dubs who had an idea to bring something we felt the community needed. A place where someone always has a walking buddy. A place where someone can push themselves to new limits. A place where simply getting out of the house is enough. No matter your pace, your experience or your reason for coming, there’s a place for you at CRC.”
Looking ahead, he said the founders remain committed to building a club centred on community rather than competition.
“From day one, we’ve said that CRC is about community. We’re not here to be better than anyone else; we’re here to bring people together. We’ll continue to welcome anyone who wants to be part of what we’re building.”
With membership already reaching three figures in under a fortnight, Courtown Run Club has made an impressive start and appears to have tapped into a strong appetite for a friendly, inclusive fitness community in the area.
“This is only the beginning. We’re not just thinking about the next run; we’re thinking about the next year, and many years after that. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us. Here’s to the first 100 members… and the many memories still to come.”
The club aims to meet up three times per week, with evening meets on Tuesday and Thursday and a morning meet on the Saturday, however, this is subject to change.
More information about the Courtown Run Club can be found on their Facebook page.
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.
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