Welcoming Wednesday – running for welcome

Wednesday 15th July 2026

This week for Welcoming Wednesdays, we’re celebrating just one of A Million Stories of welcome, connection and belonging that took place as communities across the continent came together for Refugee Week last month. This year’s theme marked a milestone; one million refugees calling Australia home, and millions of journeys, experiences and stories, since the end of World War ll.

On a frosty winter’s morning in Adelaide, community members marked World Refugee Day by gathering together to run (or walk!) together – proving that even the cold is no barrier to shaping more stories of welcome!

This Refugee Day parkrun event, held as part of Sanctuary Runners Australia, was a celebration of the simple but powerful ways we can all create belonging; through showing up, sharing a moment with someone new and making space for everyone to join in. Coordinated by Justice for Refugees SA in partnership with Carisbrook parkrun, Circle of Friends, City of Salisbury and Welcoming Australia, the first Sanctuary Runners gathering was a beautiful success – just look at those smiling faces!

Sanctuary Runners uses walking and running to bring together refugees, people seeking asylum, migrants and local community members through friendship, inclusion and shared participation.

Showing up for a run or walk might seem like a small act, but that’s why we love it! Small moments can have a BIG impact on belonging. Community activities like Sanctuary Runners and parkrun provide opportunities for people to build connections and confidence, expand their networks and develop relationships that strengthen a sense of community and connection.

We know that strong communities are built through communal experiences and the connections we make with one another. Every conversation, every friendship and every shared journey adds another thread to the rich and diverse story of Australia.

We know that sport and community activities are powerful vehicles for inclusion – so if you’re in Adelaide and keen to be part of estbalishing Sanctuary Runners Adelaide, please contact Justice for Refugees to join in! (email: info@justiceforrefugeessa.org)