Finding Common Ground: How Crosshaven’s First Social Run Club Is Bringing People Together

By Tara Maher

Common Ground Run Club is Crosshaven’s first social running group, catering to complete beginners and seasoned runners. The club meets every Saturday morning at 9am, starting from the car park at the Crosshaven–Carrigaline Railway Walk, and has quickly become a positive and sociable way for locals to kick-start their weekends.

Founded by Ben Donovan late last year, Common Ground was created to give people a reason to get outdoors, get moving, and connect with others, even at an hour when many would prefer to stay tucked up in bed. “To be honest, Common Ground is just as much about the coffee, the sweet treat, and the chat afterwards as it is about the running itself,” Ben admits.

An avid runner, Ben had been training consistently for two years before completing the Cork Half Marathon last June. Just a week later, however, an unexpected injury left him on crutches and facing a long period of rehabilitation and when it came time to return to running, he found the mental challenge almost as tough as the physical one. “It felt like I’d lost all the progress I had worked so hard for,” he says. “Starting from scratch was really demotivating.”

While considering joining a run club to help ease his way back, Ben discovered that the nearest option was based in the city, making it impractical for a short local run. Instead, he decided to create something closer to home, and Common Ground Run Club was born.

“In the beginning, it was really just a small group of friends that I dragged along to get things going,” Ben laughs. “But once I started sharing it on social media, the group slowly but surely began to grow, with new faces turning up each week.”

The aim of Common Ground is simple. It was created to bring people of all abilities together for a relaxed five-kilometre run at whatever pace feels comfortable. The group meets in the car park across from the Priory in Crosshaven, starting with a ten-minute warm-up and stretch before heading out along the scenic Crosshaven walk.

“I usually keep a steady pace of about six minutes per kilometre, so anyone who doesn’t want to think about pacing can stick with me,” Ben explains. “There’s a real mix of abilities . Some people take it slower with walk breaks, while others head off at a faster pace. The great thing is that there’s always someone running at a similar level, so nobody ever feels left behind or alone.”

Once the run is finished, the group gathers for coffee and a chat, sharing stories, laughs, and updates from the week just gone. “It’s very relaxed and completely pressure-free,” Ben says.

For him, the post-run coffee and conversation are just as important as the run itself. “We’re all social creatures. Bringing people together like this is not only great for physical health, but it has a really positive impact on mental health too. The sense of community, fun, and connection is what makes it special.”

Now entering its third month, Common Ground has been met with strong support from the Crosshaven community. Ben has received encouraging messages from local residents and businesses alike. “Anything that promotes health, wellness, and activity is always going to be well received,” he says. “We’re so lucky to have such a beautiful amenity right on our doorstep. The Crosshaven walk provides the perfect backdrop and really adds to the experience.”

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift away from traditional pub and club culture towards health and wellness, particularly among younger people. Ben believes run clubs have grown in popularity because they offer the ideal combination of routine and movement, while also being social.

While running has become increasingly visible on social media, often focused on times, distances, and achievements, Ben is keen to emphasise a different message. “It’s about showing up, doing your best, and enjoying the experience,” he says. “Even getting out the door on a Saturday morning is a win. If Common Ground helps even one person feel more motivated, more connected, or more confident in themselves, then it’s doing exactly what it set out to do.”

Common Ground Run Club is always open to new members. Whether you’re brand new to running or have been running for years, everyone is welcome. It’s a positive, uplifting way to start the weekend, getting some fresh air, meeting great people, and having a bit of craic along the way. For anyone even slightly curious, Ben encourages giving it a go “You might just surprise yourself and discover how much you enjoy it.”

You can follow Common Ground Run Club on Instagram @commongroundcork_