Team Aisling is an official running/walking club, affiliated with the Road Runners of America. It is also a social fitness club, both fun and friendly and welcomes all members of the community to connect, get fit and stay active as part of an extensive wellness program for both mind and body.
Team Aisling was established in 2018 when avid marathon runner and community advocate, Catherine Flood, recognized the need for our community to get fit under one umbrella.
Catherine’s original goal was to raise awareness about the Aisling Irish Community Center’s (AICC), who at the time necessitated some creative fundraising solutions to purchase their remarkable building on McLean Avenue.
Many hard-working captains donated their time to assist with the early-stage development and with the community on board to support AICC, Team Aisling was born. The concept was simple, yet inspirational: Get the community involved in a new wellness initiative, following the four “F’s” philosophy of Fun, Fitness, Friendship and Fundraising. However, the idea captured the imagination of the community and before too long, Couch-to-5k groups sprang up in The Bronx, Yonkers, Queens, and Rockland. A dedicated group of Team Captains donated many hours of their time to get Team Aisling off the ground and design a signature shirt for races and events that now enjoys worldwide recognition.
Under the steady leadership of Breda Carroll, Chairperson, Elaine Heaney, Secretary, and Michelle Doherty, Treasurer, the club spearheads numerous fun community movements that aid many charities and those in need, all while inspiring members to get fit, to keep moving at every age, enjoy a chat and a cuppa at their pop-up community events. Team Aisling has hosted several free and fun 5K runs in the Tristate area, followed by refreshments, and always offers “a warm embrace” to anyone who wants to walk or run.
Team Aisling played a huge role in fundraising for the” Slainte” initiative during the dark days of Covid to support the NY community, who were extremely vulnerable. The premise of the club is rooted uplifting and supporting their fellow members in their marathon and shorter race efforts, as well as participating in charity walks such as the “Walk for Charlie Bird”, or keeping you updated on community events that are meaningful. And their famed annual Turkey Trot or Jingle Bell run are not to be missed.
Hiking is a huge hit with many members and the brainchild of Breda Carroll, who along with Elaine Heaney, both diligently scout many locations in upstate New York, in preparation for their regular member hike events. The club always welcomes new members, and the one request is that all participants show up on race day in their much-coveted Team Aisling race singlet so that you are easily identifiable to your adoring “fans” and that you can reap the benefits of the warm support from your fellow Team Aisling members.
Team Aisling continues to inspire hundreds of Irish in New York, getting them off the couch and connecting a community in laughter, fun and fitness So, there is nothing left to say other than “sign up now as a member get the signature Team Aisling Singlet and we will take care of the rest once you visit www.teamaisling.org
