Former prisoner sets up running club to help combat crime and addiction issues

A former prisoner working to combat crime and addiction in his local area of Darndale in Dublin has created a new community running club.

Ger Redmond spent two years in Mountjoy jail in 2014 after getting involved in drugs and criminality in his younger years.

Since leaving prison, he has established himself as a full-time triathlete and works to help people avoid going down the road of crime and addiction.

This spurred him on to create “Another Way 5K” in 2022.

The latest event takes place at 11am on April 27 in Darndale Park and he hopes to attract hundreds of runners of all ages and abilities.

This year’s event will be promoted by the newly formed Coolock Running Club, set up by Mr Redmond and his friend, Anthony Brady. The club is based in Coolock and is trying to develop a network in Darndale.

“Happiness and true success are only real when you reach back and share with others,” Mr Redmond said.

“Sport is a wonderful way to heal, both physically and mentally.

“This event is growing and I hope it will form part of the community calendar for many years to come.

“It has led to the formation of a club which sees locals come together to run, jog or walk, discuss their lives and achieve goals perhaps they never thought possible.”

His time in prison saw Mr Redmond follow the same path as his father and grandfather before him.

He felt the need to change his life, and the lives of others around him destined to go down the same road. He now delivers talks in prisons, schools and youth centres, and credits sport with helping to turn his life around.

He has trained as an Ironman professional since coming out of jail and has tried to help other former prisoners to stop reoffending.

The running event will be part of a local campaign called “Get the Message Out” to warn young people of the dark side of the world of crime and drugs.

This is a project supported by the Darndale Implementation Oversight Group, a Dublin City Council initiative to tackle the long-standing issues existing in the area.

“The Get the Message Out-Darndale Another Way 5K encourages people to consider a different way of life by highlighting opportunities, services and activities available to help them reach their full potential,” said Dr Jack Nolan, chairperson of the Darndale Implementation Oversight Group.