Since our conception in 1942 Crusaders mission and passion has been to aim to provide Athletes of all standards with the support necessary to enable them to achieve their potential in a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Crusaders AC will always provide coaching for all levels and all are welcome, whether you just want to keep fit or are an aspiring Olympian.
About Crusaders ...Train with us!
Crusaders Athletic Club, located in Irishtown Stadium, is one of Ireland’s premier athletics clubs and one of the largest running clubs in Dublin. We cater for all standards!
Serving Irishtown, Ringsend, Sandymount, the Docklands and surrounding areas. Founded in 1942, the club has enjoyed a rich history in athletic development and success in its distinctive red and white colours. Some people think that running clubs are exclusive, that you need to be a great athlete to join a running club or Athletics club but at Crusaders we cater for all levels. The ‘Cru’ caters to athletes in a variety of disciplines from juvenile to veteran, novice, beginners to elite level, and everything in between. Our Philosophy is that Athletics is for all... Our aim at Crusaders Dublin running club is to encourage and support people of all abilities and standards of running, from the ‘fun’ runner to the ‘elite’ athlete. We are a Running Club with over 20 specialised coaches and running specialists that offer tailored programs for your personal needs and requirements. The club welcomes members who wish to be active and train at a level appropriate to their fitness and ambition. If you want to have fun while getting in shape, meet new people and improve your running, you have come to the right place. Find out how we can best help you achieve your goals and passions below and learn how joining today will bring you a fitter tomorrow! |
Start Your Journey...
Why running is the best exercise...
As a form of cardio exercise that's easily accessible, running is one of the most straightforward ways to get the important benefits of exercise. Since it improves aerobic fitness, running is a great way to help improve cardiovascular health. Plus, it burns calories and can build strength, among other things. Being fit can make you feel better! |
|
Why run with Crusaders...
There is a reason we have the most adult members in all of Dublin, there are actually too many reasons to mention here but the main reason is we offer outstanding quality, value and service. We have some of the best facilities in the country with both a full size exterior athletics running track and a 40 meter indoor running track. This combined with over 80 years of experience, we can help you to gain knowledge, skills and experience in all levels and types of running, be it Marathon, Track or Cross country. Whether you are a long time runner or just starting out we can help you reach your goals! Save yourself time, money and effort and train with experts in their field who take great pride getting you to the proven results you desire. To Discover what we offer and why you should join us at Crusaders, check out the information below... 
|
Our team is passionate about helping you achieve your health, fitness and athletic goals.
|
20+
Expert Coaches, Running Specialists and Health professionals combing in a unique ability to cater for your needs. |
80+
years of experience as one of Dublin's largest running clubs, helping people achieve their fitness & health goals. |
700+
Members including the largest adult section in Dublin and largest Senior section in Ireland! |
Our secret ingredients for success...
Group Training
- Let’s face it’s not easy to lead a healthy life and exercise. Knowing that there are others meeting to train will makes that bit harder to find an excuse not to go and it will motivate you to pull on your gear and get going.
- Having someone running right beside you will keep you moving and can push you a little harder than you might do on your own.
- Research also shows that people who train in a group are more likely stick with it.
- Crusaders offers several different Groups that you can train with normally according to your running ability.
- All the groups mix for warm ups, races and events. So you don't just meet people within your group.
Coaching
- A qualified Coach and Running specialist, who has been trained by Athletics Ireland’s Coaching Team, sets out the training schedules suitable for your needs.
- By working with a knowledgeable coach your sessions will change/evolve as you progress, preventing hitting a plateau and boredom.
- You will also receive on-going support and guidance.
At Crusaders our training philosophy uses the 3A's method to success...
- Ambition - Have the Ambition to achieve your goals.
- Action - Take the needed steps to attain your objective
- Accomplish - Execute and realize the results you desire
Results
- When you stick with a well-planned program, you will get the results and start to feel fitter and healthier.
- Crusaders offers a wide variety of excellent training plans and options to all our members.
- Our specialized training plans ensure that you get fit enough not just to take on your next challenge but smash it.
- Whether it be a first 5km challenge or a sub 3 hour Marathon. Our training program will help you achieve your goal and beyond!
You can do anything as long as you have the passion, the drive, the focus, and the support!
Stop wasting your time and money with diets and programs that don’t work! Discover our specifically tailored training programs that will get you proven results! you will be healthier and fitter than ever. Be your own hero, we build heroes.
That is why we say, Cru 4 Life!
Stop wasting your time and money with diets and programs that don’t work! Discover our specifically tailored training programs that will get you proven results! you will be healthier and fitter than ever. Be your own hero, we build heroes.
That is why we say, Cru 4 Life!
Sociable
- When you train in a group it can definitely be a more fun experience.
- It offers the opportunity to make new acquaintances or to catch-up with friends.
- The fitter you get the more talking you can do while you train!
- Our training sessions are very sociable and easy going.
- The club has a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can enjoy their session.
We welcome all levels of runner
Crusaders is not only a great running club for improving your running but is a great running club for beginners. Most runners coming along for the first time at the club have the expectation that they will be too slow or just generally not up to joining a running club. In virtually all cases we find this is untrue. Most people find that they are much more capable than they thought they where, also after a few weeks a large portion of new people find that they have made a huge improvement on where they started.
A large portion of the club are recreational runners who want to get fit and stay healthy in a fun sociable environment. We have training groups suitable for all age groups from 18 to 80+ , From Novice and beginners to international level so why not join in on the fun, and feel the benefits!
Crusaders is not only a great running club for improving your running but is a great running club for beginners. Most runners coming along for the first time at the club have the expectation that they will be too slow or just generally not up to joining a running club. In virtually all cases we find this is untrue. Most people find that they are much more capable than they thought they where, also after a few weeks a large portion of new people find that they have made a huge improvement on where they started.
A large portion of the club are recreational runners who want to get fit and stay healthy in a fun sociable environment. We have training groups suitable for all age groups from 18 to 80+ , From Novice and beginners to international level so why not join in on the fun, and feel the benefits!
Running club near me...
|
Crusaders is a great running club for beginners to start and improve your running, fitness and health in an easy sociable setting but Don't take our word for it, read our Members Reviews HERE
Why not see what you think for yourself and give our trial period a try? See the details on our Join page HERE If you have any pacific questions why not try our FAQ page HERE Or contact the club on Facebook or by Email We would love to hear from you. See below for details in regards to our training groups... |
|
|
Find us on
|
|
see who you can be...
|
Our Training Groups...
|
Fit 4 Life
Exercise helps with not only your physical health but also your mental health, and the simplicity and accessibly of running makes it the perfect form of exercise to keep you enjoying an active lifestyle. The Fit 4 Life group is mostly for recreational running and is suitable for those who enjoy running regularly and also for those new to running.
Fit 4 Life is for All Abilities
The group is a fun and friendly environment where you can meet new people and make new friends. You will love taking part with the group in lots of activities from social events to races and fun runs. The group is perfect for someone who wants to stay fit, get in shape or lose some weight in a friendly and sociable environment. The sessions are welcoming and relaxed but are still challenging to make you improve your abilities.
Exercise helps with not only your physical health but also your mental health, and the simplicity and accessibly of running makes it the perfect form of exercise to keep you enjoying an active lifestyle. The Fit 4 Life group is mostly for recreational running and is suitable for those who enjoy running regularly and also for those new to running.
Fit 4 Life is for All Abilities
- Participants are grouped by ability for training sessions allowing runners/walkers to train at an appropriate level.
- There is progression from Walking to Jogging to Running.
- No previous experience is needed.
The group is a fun and friendly environment where you can meet new people and make new friends. You will love taking part with the group in lots of activities from social events to races and fun runs. The group is perfect for someone who wants to stay fit, get in shape or lose some weight in a friendly and sociable environment. The sessions are welcoming and relaxed but are still challenging to make you improve your abilities.
Senior Section
As well as recreational runners, there are developmental and elite athletes running in the red and white. Coached by our very own in house team of highly skilled running specialists and expert trainers. A step up from the Fit 4 Life group is the senior section of the club. It is comprised of casual and competitive runners. If your a more proficient runner or want to challenge yourself beyond Fit 4 Life. The Senior section could be what you are looking for.
Training in this group is tailored to suit your own personal abilities and goals. This encourages structure to your training and becomes the cornerstone of your success. This tried and proven formula gives runners the groundwork to build a solid foundation on which to build up to a higher standard of ability and take their running to the next level and beyond!
The Senior training is designed to vastly improve your running ability and fitness level. At this level many like to take part in various competitions from road race to cross country and everything else in between. The Senior sections motto is to work hard and play hard. While the sessions can be challenging but rewarding, they also like to socialize regularly meeting up for post session refreshments and events.
The Seniors section often mix their running surfaces. Too much running on one surface can lead to repetitive strain injuries so where possible we vary between road/grass/trail and path making you accustom to different surfaces as well as helping to relieve injury concerns.
If you like to race then this is the group for you, we regularly enter teams into various events including leagues and championships. Nothing compares to be on a team representing your club at a county or national championship.
The club enjoys regular success with numerous national champions and league titles to its credit.
Notably, Crusaders have produced a number of Olympians, the first being the legendary Ronnie Delaney who won 1,500m Gold at the Melbourne 1956 Olympics.
Marathon Group
A large number of Members train together not just for the Dublin Marathon, where we normally see over 100 club members participate but also everything from smaller marathons to large big event marathons like Boston, New York and Berlin.
The marathon group often plan remarkable trips abroad to race in marathons in exotic destinations... some don't even run the marathon they just go to support!
The Marathon group consists of different levels of running ability. So whither you a seasoned veteran trying to improve your PB time or looking to run your first ever marathon we can help you achieve your goal. Train for your Marathon with us and you will be in good company.
A large number of Members train together not just for the Dublin Marathon, where we normally see over 100 club members participate but also everything from smaller marathons to large big event marathons like Boston, New York and Berlin.
The marathon group often plan remarkable trips abroad to race in marathons in exotic destinations... some don't even run the marathon they just go to support!
The Marathon group consists of different levels of running ability. So whither you a seasoned veteran trying to improve your PB time or looking to run your first ever marathon we can help you achieve your goal. Train for your Marathon with us and you will be in good company.
Our "Couch to 5K" programme has been developed to enable complete beginners, with little or no previous running experience, to complete our club's Docklands 5km road race. Participants have access to all of the benefits that Crusaders AC members enjoy, including use of the outdoor track, gym facilities and our clubhouse at Irishtown Stadium. Our dedicated "Couch to 5K" coaching team will guide you through a 10 week training plan, to gradually build your fitness and see you achieve your goal of running a 5km race.
On completion of the plan, participants progress to our "Fit 4 Life" training group to continue to progress at their own pace in a friendly and encouraging environment.
If you've been thinking "I'll get fit and then join a club," then our "Couch to 5K" is for you! Email us today to find out more.
On completion of the plan, participants progress to our "Fit 4 Life" training group to continue to progress at their own pace in a friendly and encouraging environment.
If you've been thinking "I'll get fit and then join a club," then our "Couch to 5K" is for you! Email us today to find out more.
By the numbers...
|
#1
Largest Adult Membership in Dublin |
#2
2nd Largest Membership in Dublin |
#3
3rd Largest Membership in Ireland! |
Our Training And Sessions...
Tuesdays training session
takes place on the professional 400 meter 8 lane track at Irishtown Stadium overlooking our new state of the art Club house, that includes a 40 meter track and indoor training area. The Crusaders club house was pacifically built for members needs and is exclusively for members use. The magnificent Irishtown Stadium and our Club house with its modern facilities and 8 lane all weather floodlit track is a great location for your training.
takes place on the professional 400 meter 8 lane track at Irishtown Stadium overlooking our new state of the art Club house, that includes a 40 meter track and indoor training area. The Crusaders club house was pacifically built for members needs and is exclusively for members use. The magnificent Irishtown Stadium and our Club house with its modern facilities and 8 lane all weather floodlit track is a great location for your training.
Thursday Training Session
Located a stone's throw from the stadium is Sean Moore park, the nature reserve and the long beach front of Sandymount all of which provides our members with superb training options.
While some groups train in Sean Moore Park others go along Sandymount Strand and or Nature reserve beside Sean Moore park.
Located a stone's throw from the stadium is Sean Moore park, the nature reserve and the long beach front of Sandymount all of which provides our members with superb training options.
While some groups train in Sean Moore Park others go along Sandymount Strand and or Nature reserve beside Sean Moore park.
Saturday Training Session
Saturday training is excellent for improving fitness levels, especially if you missed a session during the week. It takes place in the Phoenix park beside the magazine fort and there are several training options available depending on your ability and what races you might be training for. After the Saturday session we head over to the Visitors center for re hydration.
Saturday training is excellent for improving fitness levels, especially if you missed a session during the week. It takes place in the Phoenix park beside the magazine fort and there are several training options available depending on your ability and what races you might be training for. After the Saturday session we head over to the Visitors center for re hydration.
Informal Runs
Club Members regularly meet up to run together, normally a long run meetup. These runs can take place at different times and places. Join the clubs Whats App groups to stay up to date with what is going on.
Club Members regularly meet up to run together, normally a long run meetup. These runs can take place at different times and places. Join the clubs Whats App groups to stay up to date with what is going on.
Extra Additional Training and Talks
Crusaders offers it's members additional training if they are training for a pacific goal or event. As well as this throughout the year we organize special classes and talks for the members. These include -
Sometimes we team up with outside professionals for these extra workshops and so there may be a small fee associated with attending them.
Crusaders offers it's members additional training if they are training for a pacific goal or event. As well as this throughout the year we organize special classes and talks for the members. These include -
- Yoga workshops
- Foam Roller Workshop
- Strength and conditioning workshop
- Run Technique Workshop
- Special guest speakers and seminars.
- Healthy eating and nutrition talks
- Improve your running talks
- Get the most from training talks
Sometimes we team up with outside professionals for these extra workshops and so there may be a small fee associated with attending them.
Find out more about training and training times HERE
Social Life
Crusaders also know how to have fun off the track. The club is a good way to meet other athletes and has an active social scene organising club evenings, dinners, drinks, events and table quizzes.
For more on our Social nights see the Social page.
Crusaders also know how to have fun off the track. The club is a good way to meet other athletes and has an active social scene organising club evenings, dinners, drinks, events and table quizzes.
For more on our Social nights see the Social page.
What do I get for my membership?
"Price is what you pay. Value is what you get."
—Warren Buffet
—Warren Buffet
Advantages/ Benefits to Joining the Club include-
- 3 weekly training sessions under the supervision of highly qualified coaches.
- Expert coaching and advice. Improve your running technique.
- Specialized training for major races. Compete in AAI Championships.
- Motivation and encouragement. Race with teammates.
- Ask trained and experienced coaches any of your running related questions.
- Full access to training plans, 5km, 10km, half marathon and marathon (ideal for all levels inc beginners).
- To help promote the sport of running in Dublin.
- The opportunity to train with runners of the same level.
- Access to a wealth of training knowledge and expertise to help achieve personal running goals.
- The safety of running in a group
- Nutritional advice and information.
- Strength and conditioning classes.
- Attend free talks on different aspects of running, including technique and nutrition.
- Active social calendar with a wide variety of events for meeting new people.
- Discounts on entrees to Road Races and other events.
- Athletics Ireland-qualified Coaches on hand for questions, advice and feedback on your individual progress.
- Get Fit while making new friends.
- Fully insured while training with the group.
- Road trips and outings.
- Fun and the craic!
Facilities Benefits
- Safe floodlit environment, full size outdoor track.
- All weather facilities, 40 meter indoor track.
- Use of the sate of the art clubhouse, it's facilities and training areas.
- Showers, toilet facilities and changing rooms.
- Lockers to store personal items.
- Water fountains and taps.
- Access to the gym at Irishtown Stadium during the Clubs Training hours.
- Onsite free parking, easy access from major routes.
- Conveniently located right beside Dublin city / Docklands and Grand Canal Square.
- Located within 5 minute walking distance of the Dart, city bikes point, Bus stops and15 minutes from the Luas.
Fancy a Challenge?
If you are interested in joining, finding out about our trial period or would like more information in general why not check out our website or drop us a line with the info below or Come down, try it out and get to know us. It’s easy to join, just a few clicks away.
Website - www.crusadersac.ie
Email - [email protected]
Check out the rest of our website for further info.
Follow us on Facebook.
If you are interested in joining, finding out about our trial period or would like more information in general why not check out our website or drop us a line with the info below or Come down, try it out and get to know us. It’s easy to join, just a few clicks away.
Website - www.crusadersac.ie
Email - [email protected]
Check out the rest of our website for further info.
Follow us on Facebook.
365 days a year
Club members can train and compete all year round with cross-country, road running, mountain running as well as indoor and outdoor track & field athletics.
The club meet and train mainly in Irishtown stadium, but we also make good use of the parkland and Sandymount strand nearby (see training for more info).
Crusaders foster and encourage young athletes in an active and growing Junior section. (see Junior Cru for more details). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Community support
The Crusaders AC Strava account can be found Here The Crusaders Fit 4 Life Strava account can be found Here |
Members latest runs on Strava
|
|
|
More Information
Athletics Ireland
Crusaders is Affiliated with Athletics Ireland.
All Members (from all Groups) are automatically registered with Athletics Ireland.
Athletics Ireland offers a number of benefits to our club and it's members.
Insurance
Athletics Ireland membership provides third party insurance cover for it's members. This insurance covers you at training sessions organised by Athletics Ireland Affiliated Clubs.
Eligibility to Compete at National Championship Events
Only Athletics Ireland members are permitted to compete at our National Championships.
Athlete Development
Athletics Ireland provided support for developing & promising athletes by running squad days, both Provincially & Nationally.
Competition
Athletics Ireland provides a comprehensive program of competition for all age levels from Juvenile to Master
All Members (from all Groups) are automatically registered with Athletics Ireland.
Athletics Ireland offers a number of benefits to our club and it's members.
Insurance
Athletics Ireland membership provides third party insurance cover for it's members. This insurance covers you at training sessions organised by Athletics Ireland Affiliated Clubs.
Eligibility to Compete at National Championship Events
Only Athletics Ireland members are permitted to compete at our National Championships.
Athlete Development
Athletics Ireland provided support for developing & promising athletes by running squad days, both Provincially & Nationally.
Competition
Athletics Ireland provides a comprehensive program of competition for all age levels from Juvenile to Master
Non-profit
|
Non-profit
Crusaders A.C. or Irishtown Crusaders A.C. is one of the largest athletic club in Ireland and operates purely for the benefit of its members and the athletic community as well as the the benefit of the local community in Irishtown, Ringsend and surrounding areas. Crusaders AC is a non-profit organization and all money raised or collected by the club is used to provide facilities and equipment for its members. |
|
Races
|
Races
The club participates in a long list of various races each year. These include Road races, Marathon, Cross country and Track. Below is a selection of races that Crusaders enters teams for during the year but there is a lot not on this list. Click the box to show the races in each section. Road Races
Cross country
Track And Field
|
Club Gear and Singlet
|
Club Gear and Singlet
A great selection of club gear is available from our online store HERE The club store is ran by our clothing partner Jako. If you have any questions about club gear please contact Jako from their website. The Club Singlet is sold on site by the club at a cost of €20 each. We normally have most sizes in stock, please ask at training if you would like to purchase a Club Singlet, all other Club merchandise can be ordered through the Jako store. Jako offers free shipping on orders over €75. |
|
Races and Gear
|
Races and Gear
Some races such as track and field and championship races require you to wear your club singlet or gear for the race. In other races where not required, we would encourage members to wear club gear or singlet for them. This is to
|
AGM and Committee
|
AGM and Committee
The Club AGM is held every year in November, notice of AGM and the agenda is circulated in advance. The Committee are elected to run the club on behalf of the members, there are 13 positions on the committee as well as several sub Committees that feed into the Main Management Committee. Any items for the committee should be sent to the club email address. |
|
Club Newsletter
|
Club Newsletter
The club newsletter is distributed once a month by email to all members. The Newsletter contains the latest club news and upcoming events and scheduled races or training session information. In a small number of cases it goes to the promotions or spam folder, please check the promotions or spam folder if you are not reviving the newsletter. |
Docklands 5K and Stewarding
|
Docklands 5K and Stewarding
Crusaders organises the Docklands 5K race during the summer every year. This is a huge fundraising event for the club and we ask that members help out and volunteer to steward the race. As well as the Docklands 5K, the club supplies stewards for 1 or 2 other races during the year. Members will be asked at the time to consider volunteering for these. |
|
|
What does a running club do?
Running clubs typically organise regular club runs and training, often with a social element, organise track training sessions and coaching, liaise with the sport's governing body, inform members about events and races, enter teams in team events such as relays, provide information to members, organise social events, and organise races. A running club can help keep you focused on your goals and motivate you towards achieving them. |
|
Should I join a running club?
Running clubs are a fantastic way to meet running partners that you can train with, in and outside of club sessions, which can be particularly useful on those dark winter nights! It has major health and fitness benefits as well as very social. You could discover your competitive streak. ... This edge can really drive you on and lead to improvements in your running performance. |
|
|
Why should I join a running club?
There are a number of benefits from joining a running club:
|
What running does to your body?
|
What running does to your body?
Running can significantly improve physical and mental health. As a form of aerobic exercise, running can reduce stress, improve heart health, and even help alleviate symptoms of depression. Some researchers think running may be so good for us because it's something we evolved to do |
|
Does running make you skinny?
|
Does running make you skinny?
Running is an excellent form of exercise for weight loss. It burns a lot of calories, may help you continue to burn calories long after a workout, may help suppress appetite and targets harmful belly fat. What's more, running has many other benefits for your health and is simple to begin. Running can definitely help you lose wight when you combine it with a healthy diet. |
Are runners better in bed?
|
Are runners better in bed?
A study from Northwestern Medicine found that running can lead to improved sleep and could potentially even cure insomnia. Those who run tend to fall asleep quicker, and they also enjoy longer quality sleep... What did you think we meant? There are lots of reasons to start or improve your running find out how we can help you with your journey below... |
|
Crusaders in Action - Club Videos
|
|
|
|
How to find us…
Crusaders AC is located in Irishtown stadium, across from Ringsend Park. The Stadium is 20 minutes’ walk from the city centre. Irishtown Stadium is at the back of Pembroke St behind the estate. Coming from Ringsend up Irishtown Road turn left just before the Irishtown House, onto Pembroke Street then Strand Street and keep to the left, you will see it just on the left. Free parking onsite. The Stadium is serviced by the No. 1 and 47 Dublin Bus routes and is 10 minutes’ walk from Lansdowne Road Dart station. Website: CrusadersAC.ie Facebook: Facebook.com/crurunners Twitter: Twitter.com/crusadersac 
|
|
|
|
|
|
