Sign up for Samarathon 2021!

Samaritans of Newry & Dundalk is encouraging people to sign up to ‘Samarathon’ and set themselves the challenge of walking, jogging or running the equivalent of a marathon distance during July, helping the charity’s volunteers continue to provide vital emotional support.

The 100 listening volunteers in our local branch are encouraging residents across the Mournes to make the most of the long summer days after months of lockdown by getting active and being out in nature, which is known to help boost physical and mental wellbeing.

Participants can choose how, when and where they complete their marathon – and can sign up alongside friends and family, cheering each other on either in person or remotely. The best thing is, they can raise money directly for the Samaritans of Newry & Dundalk.

Each branch of the Samaritans has to raise their own money to keep open and to make sure they are there for people in emotional distress.

It’s very easy to take part. Simply visit www.samaritans.org/samarathon to register. When it asks if you are supporting a specific Samaritans branch, say yes and select ‘Newry’. A JustGiving fundraising page will automatically be created for you which you can share with friends and family to start raising money.

Over 3,600 people signed up to take part in 2020’s Samarathon, raising almost £600,000 in total.

Branch Director at Samaritans of Newry & Dundalk, Oonagh Brown, said: “Samarathon provides a great opportunity to get active and enjoy spending time outdoors which is more important than ever during the pandemic. It is also a real boost to our volunteers, who have clocked up over 10,000 hours providing emotional support over the last year to those who are struggling to cope during these challenging times.

“The pandemic has significantly hampered our ability to fundraise over the past 12 months. Taking part in this challenge is not only a fun way to look after your own mental health and wellbeing but will allow us to support others who are struggling with theirs."

Laura, 43, signed up to Samarathon last year in memory of her sister Louise: “Samarathon was so amazing, it gave me something to focus on after coming out of lockdown.

“I never liked running before, I found it too hard and arduous, but by taking it slowly and doing small amounts every other day, the mental health side of it almost took over from the fitness side. That was a big motivation because I felt great after it, I love it.”

With 201 branches across these islands, the Samaritans of Newry & Dundalk had the single highest number of people raising money directly for their branch during Samarathon 2020. They want to keep this record and get even more people walking, jogging or running this July.

To find more information or sign up to Samarathon, visit www.samaritans.org/samarathon