Credit: Run in the Dark Luxembourg
Run in the Dark, a global fundraising running movement aiming to cure paralysis “in our lifetime”, will return to Luxembourg City on Wednesday 15 November 2023, starting at Rives de Clausen at 20:00.
Run in the Dark connects runners wearing bright, flashing armbands both physically and virtually across four continents. Participants can choose between 5k or 10k runs, with entry revenue supporting the Mark Pollock Trust. The trust, founded by friends of Irish explorer Mark Pollock after an accident left him paralysed, organises the run, with funds going to the event's charity partner Collaborative Cures.
The run originated in Dublin in 2011 and has since expanded globally, raising money to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. Run in the Dark Luxembourg, initiated in 2014 as a pop-up event by Jane Murray (who was friends with Mark Pollock at university and wished to show her support), has grown steadily - the 2019 edition gathered 2,000 runners and raised about €38,000. In 2020, Run in the Dark took place virtually around the world, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but went ahead in person in Luxembourg in 2021. In 2022, the Run in the Dark event in Luxembourg generated €33,000, contributing to the global fundraising total of €490,000.
Chronicle.lu reached out to Jane Murray to obtain some more details about this year’s sold-out event:
Chronicle.lu: How many people do you expect to see at the event this year?
Jane Murray: The event has proved very popular this year. Over 1,800 participants have registered for the run.
Chronicle.lu: Has there been a growth in participant numbers in recent years (post COVID-19 pandemic)?
Jane Murray: Yes, we have seen a steady increase in numbers since COVID. In fact, we were the only "Run in the Dark" to have a live event in 2021 in the world. This year, we are almost back to pre-pandemic numbers.
Chronicle.lu: Are there any new features/changes or initiatives planned for this year's event?
Jane Murray: This year we continue our collaboration with sponsors ING Luxembourg, who have been a fantastic partner since 2016. The route has been slightly modified this year to ensure that everyone can easily clock their 5km or 10km. With support from the Ville de Luxembourg, the police and PWC colleagues, the route will be safer than ever. New collaborations with Rosport and Fulfil bars will help with hydration and hunger after the race, together with a fruit offering from ING. A great atmosphere can be expected as always!
Chronicle.lu: What message might you like to convey to individuals who are (considering) participating in Run in the Dark?
Jane Murray: The first word that comes to mind is - thank you! Individuals who are participating are joining runners around the world from Sydney to Reykjavík, to run through the beautiful city of Luxembourg in the dark. Your participation is raising important funds for Collaborative Cures, whose mission is to cure paralysis in our lifetime - you are running for those who dream of walking again.
