Whether you’re already an avid runner, walker or hiker or you’re looking for a new challenge, this is a great way to get involved, stay active, and support our Dalata charities.
Join the Dalata Movement Community
With many of us participating throughout the year, this challenge is a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, support our charities, and achieve a shared goal. If you’re interested in taking part or have upcoming events planned, we’d love to hear from you!
Let’s make this an incredible year for the Dalata Movement Community. Well done to everyone already training, we can’t wait to see you at the starting line!
In 2025, over 250 runners took part and completed over 3,000kms to help raise funds for our charities across our hotels and Central Office. For 2026, we’re doing things a little differently. There is no target distance. No required events. No pressure.
Whether you run, jog, walk or hike, even if it’s just a kilometre here and there, every step counts.
What’s new this year?
• You don’t need to sign up for an official race to take part.
• Any distance you cover — in a marathon, a 5k, a fun run, around your neighbourhood, with colleagues, or during a lunchtime walk — can be added to the Great Dalata total.
• The goal is participation, connection, and supporting our three Dalata charity partners together.
This year, we are asking all employees to get involved and be Difference Makers.
Be a Difference Maker & Join In!
To join the GDCR Community, simply complete the form below:
The Great Dalata Charity Run
Registration form to join the GDCR Community Group and pledge kms/miles.
In total, over the past 9 years, we have raised more than €2.4 million euro for our charity partners. Three new charity partners were selected in 2022 based on the health and wellbeing theme, as chosen by our colleagues. The Marie Keating Foundation is our Republic of Ireland partner, Leukaemia Care is our partner in Britain and Air Ambulance NI in Northern Ireland. Together we are partnering to save lives.
Our people generate all sorts of unique fundraising ideas, and our teams have a great culture of getting involved, having lots of fun and raising money for our charity partners. It is a fantastic way to have fun with colleagues, engage customers and guests, while having a positive social impact.
Find out more about our three chosen charities below:
Marie Keating Foundation
The Marie Keating Foundation is a leading voice for Cancer prevention, awareness, and support. We are partnering to facilitate over 100,000 conversations between Marie Keatings nursing staff and members of the public on spotting the early signs of Cancer. Our impact to date has allowed the foundation to commission two new mobile unit vehicles which visit communities nationwide providing lifesaving information to the public. To discover all the latest activities please visit www.dalatadigsdeep.ie
Leukaemia Care UK
Meanwhile colleagues in Scotland, England and Wales are dedicated to raising funds for Leukaemia Care, a charity dedicated to ensuring that everyone affected receives the best possible diagnosis, advice, information along with treatment and support. We are partnering to support patients, and their families, who need to receive a new life saving treatment called Car-T. Our impact to date has seen many families avail of the new Away From Home Fund to cover costs of travel and food while also availing of accommodation in our UK Hotels located close to the hospital administering treatment.
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland provides an emergency helicopter medical service for the whole of Northern Ireland. We are partnering to support their lifesaving work in providing immediate care to people with serious injuries across Northern Ireland.
Click the Donate button or scan the QR code to make contribution.
GDCR Fundraising Guide – Download PDF
Our step by step guide on setting up your fundraising page.
GDCR Training Guide & 6 Week Plan – Download PDF
Read this complete guide to kick start your running training, with lots of great useful advice and top tips.
Including a short 6 week couch to 5km training plan.
Couch to 5k Plan – Download PDF
Couch to 5K is a simple, free running plan for absolute beginners. It’s perfect if you want to get moving but don’t know where to start.
The plan has you running 3 times a week, with rest days in between and a fresh schedule to follow each week.
By the end of 9 weeks, you’ll be running 5K with confidence, no matter your starting fitness level or when you last exercised.
Get Race-Ready the Right Way – Download PDF
Before you hit the ground running, take a few minutes to set yourself up for success. This quick guide to warm-ups from the Great Dalata Charity Run explains why a proper pre-run routine can make all the difference — helping you avoid injury, boost performance, and stay focused from start to finish.
Download our guide and learn how to warm up like a pro!
Cool Down Guide – Download PDF
Why Cooling Down Matters – And Why We’re Talking About It
At Dalata, we believe that every great run deserves a great finish — and that includes taking time to cool down. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or lacing up your trainers for the first time, understanding how to look after your body post-run is key to building stamina, preventing injury, and feeling your best. In this article, we share simple, effective cool-down techniques that support recovery and keep you moving towards your next goal. Because at Dalata, wellbeing doesn’t stop at the finish line — it’s part of the journey.
Recovery Day Guide – Download PDF
Recovery Day: The Secret Weapon in Your Training Toolkit
Rest isn’t laziness—it’s strategy. At Dalata, we know that peak performance starts with balance. That’s why we’re championing the power of recovery in your Great Dalata Charity Run journey. Whether you’ve just smashed a long-distance session or pushed through a tough week, giving your body the chance to rest, repair and reset is essential. But recovery doesn’t mean putting your feet up all day—think light movement, gentle stretches, mindful moments, and good nutrition. In this guide, we’ll help you build your perfect recovery day with tips that support your physical and mental wellbeing. Because every strong stride starts with smart rest.
Strength Training Guide – Download PDF
Stronger Strides: Why Strength Training Matters for Runners
Running builds your engine—strength training builds your chassis. If you want to run better, for longer, and with fewer niggles along the way, then it’s time to add some functional strength work to your weekly routine. At Dalata, we’re all about sustainable performance, and that means supporting your stride with strong, resilient muscles. In this article, we break down the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of strength training for runners, including simple, no-equipment workouts you can do from the comfort of home. From injury prevention to mental health benefits, these sessions are designed to support every step of your Great Dalata Charity Run journey.