‘Pounding the pavements on your own can be boring and unexciting’

A YOUNG Navan woman, who developed a love of running during Covid has set up a popular running group in Navan which sees groups of up to 30 people getting together twice a week to run.

Rachel Deane started the club, Up & Out Fitness in January this year in the hope of getting family and friends out running in a welcoming, friendly environment.

They meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Blackwater Park at 7pm and nine of the group took part in this year's Dublin City Marathon.

“I started running during Covid and I just fell in love with it for many reasons - such as physical health, boosts mental clarity, and offers a sense of achievement. It’s also accessible, promotes well-being, and can connect individuals with nature or a supportive community,” Rachel recalls.

“I moved to London in 2021 and after two years when I decided I wanted to come home to Navan to be with family I found the transition challenging with the adjustment after having such an socially active lifestyle in London and run clubs are such a huge thing over there.

“Pounding the pavements on your own can be boring and unexciting. Coming from a place where social connections were built around shared activities, I realised how much was missing back home for people in a similar position—those who either never left or had come back after time away. This inspired me to create something special in Navan, a space where people could reconnect, make new friends, and find a renewed sense of purpose in their community.”

Rachel explains that 'Up & Out Fitness' was started in February 2021 by Darragh Moore who is an athlete and coach.

He started it in the Coolock / Donaghmede area and in 2023 locations expanded to Finglas and North County Dublin.

“After completing the Dublin Marathon in 2023, Darragh Moore reached out to me with an opportunity to coach a new Up & Out location. After moving home from London this could not have come at a better time.

“I am head coach and I have four community leaders who help with the organisation/running of the club and all just completed first marathon - the Dublin Marathon this year. The other coaches are Lorna Keegan, Peter Farrell, Hayley Clarke and Ciaran

Harkin.

“The Dublin City Marathon 2024 was my fifth marathon and I had nine people from my Up & Out Navan Community running on the day. It was a dream come true.”

Rachel has completed five full marathons with a personal best of 3hrs 35mins, 30 half marathons, two Olympic triathlons, a duathlon and has cycled across Ireland the ring of Kerry.

“I took part in 12 races this year, most of which were to pace people in my club to help them achieve personal best times.

“I started coaching in 2023. I started with family and friends and found a whole new passion for running.”

“The support from family and friends has been incredible. Navan Parkrun has been a great addition to us in regards to meeting runners in Navan that just don’t know of the clubs available in the area to join. Local activist Kashif Ali has been helping me trying to sort the issue of having no toilet facilities open past 6pm. We have also got great support from Radical Runner in Navan” Rachel says that joining the Navan group provides motivation, accountability, and the opportunity to improve your fitness in a supportive, social environment.

“It also connects you with like-minded individuals, helps you stay consistent, and allows you to participate in group events or races.

“We have a very minimal fee and we are now registered with Athletics Ireland which is a big deal for us this year. Members can now represent us.

“In January we will be starting a couch to 5km programme, so if running has been something you would love to try, please join us. If you never try you’ll never know if it’s for you or not.

“Everyone is welcome to join us at any level of fitness. We are supportive and encouraging all we want is for you to get Up & Out.

“We have lots of exciting plans and hope to continue to grow this amazing community,” she says.