About….the Waterstown Warriors….
Great things happen when people get together and there could not be a more true statement when you look at Waterstown Warriors and their story.
In May 2014 a group of friends had a coffee and chat. It was a social occasion, chin wag and catch up, about an hour later they were setting themselves a goal of completing a “Couch 2 5K” programme and in doing so completing a local parkrun which was due to start in Waterstown Park.
On with the runners they went, Walk-Run-Walk-Run they followed the Couch to 5k programme and within a couple of weeks the group friends turned to just over 50 people all friends or acquaintances. Something special was happening, a seed had been planted. That seed was to grow steadily and it continues to grow today now known as the “Waterstown Warriors”.
Couch to 5k programmes
Since that initial first group there have been more Couch to 5k programmes ran with over 500 participants all supported and organised by the Waterstown Warriors. The initial success of those groups and the willingness of participants to continue exercising and maintaining their progress leads them to naturally support new members through their Couch 2 5k programme. Supporting and encouraging others is part of the Warrior ethos.
Meet and Train
The park in Waterstown became the meet and train venue and at 7.30 PM every Monday and Wednesday the Warriors converge to go a run, walk, tough session or just a chin wag!!! In addition every Saturday at 9.30 AM the Park hosts one of the most friendly parkruns in the world. In facilitating and lending itself to all of this Waterstown Park has become the spiritual home of the Waterstown Warriors. They began meeting their in 2014 and continue to do so today.
Throughout the journey many people wanted to officiate the Warriors as a club, anything from 30 to 100 people were turning up each Monday & Wednesday. After initial informal discussions and finding some members who had the time to commit to seeing this through a founding committee was formed in 2015 and the natural process led the club to be registered with Athletics Ireland.
Club Ethos
The Club is built on the foundations of allowing people to strive to achieve wellbeing and personal fitness while at the same time enjoy the company of new friends. There is no pressure on you however, allowing yourself to aim for personal goals be it a 10 km race or completing a specific event will always be encouraged and supported. For example over 45 Waterstown Warriors completed the Dublin City Marathon in 2016, many of them as their first marathon while approximately 100 others turned out to support them….what a special day!!!! ).
The Warriors are about people, wellbeing and participation irrespective of your ability. The friendly nature and motto of “Nobody gets left behind” aims to support inclusion on your own terms. There are rules and regulations all aimed at supporting the clubs members in a fair, respectful and equal manner. Rest assured the club is not infallible, that is probably its greatest strength, it is so new to the game mistakes are made however, the ethos of including everyone irrespective of ability, and supporting everyone, irrespective of performance is the solid foundation it is built on.
In its first year of full club affiliation 163 people joined the club supporting each other through events, races and life’s happenings. Warrior supporting is just as important as participating and can be just as much fun. It is legendary in itself!!!
In summary, don’t expect to be judged, you won’t be, however …. if you want a challenge for yourself you will find it in the Warriors and you will probably find some fellow Warriors willing to tackle it with you. The Warriors believe you can have a bit of fun while looking after yourself.
There is no pressure, you are always welcome and it has to be worth giving it a try 🙂
Download application form below.
