Team HOPE sets sights on Strabane Lifford Half Marathon challenge
2 April 2026
Derry-based wellness collective Team HOPE will continue their mission to help people overcome adversity as they prepare to take on the 2026 Strabane Lifford Half Marathon this May.
The group has been spreading positivity by encouraging people to experience the physical and mental health benefits of taking part in motivating challenges and adventures.
They also have ambitious plans to become an official charity by the end of the year.
Participation in the cross-border event on Sunday May 17th 2026 forms a central part of Team HOPE’s goal to raise £5,000 in 2026 to help achieve charity status.
Founded in 2024 by local man Sean Doherty, HOPE stands for Heroes Overcome Obstacles, Push, Evolve.
The initiative began with a fundraising campaign that raised more than £2,000 for the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity in Belfast where Sean himself was treated for leukaemia as a child.
In 2025 the group expanded its fundraising and activities significantly, taking part in a number of fitness challenges, including the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon and hosting a successful gala fundraising ball.
“The idea of the Team HOPE Foundation came from my own journey into health and wellbeing, alongside my studies in sports therapy through running and strength training,” Sean explained.
“I found that by strengthening my body and overcoming my physical challenges, I was also able to build mental resilience, which had a hugely positive impact on my mental health.
“That experience made me think about how many other people I could help to overcome their own life challenges.
“Our vision is to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds who are going through difficult times and help them take steps towards a brighter future.
“That might be through taking part in one of our challenges or fundraising events—or simply going for a coffee, getting to the gym, or spending time outdoors in nature.”
Team HOPE have already made a strong start to 2026, completing a New Year’s Day sunrise hike up Mount Errigal, the Dundalk Half Marathon, the Bentley 10 Miler Road Race, and the Hell and Back Winter Warrior 21K.
The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon continues to grow as one of the North West’s most popular sporting events, attracting runners each year to experience its renowned atmosphere across Strabane, Lifford and Clady.
“We had a fantastic experience last year,” Sean continued. “We wanted to come back this year with a bigger Team HOPE presence, share the experience with more of our members and raise awareness of what we do.
“It’s one of our most memorable events, with incredible support from the crowds and breathtaking views along the route—so it was an easy decision to return.”
“We’re currently training together as a group, building up our mileage and making sure everyone feels strong, motivated and ready by the time May comes around,” he added.
Alongside promoting health and wellbeing, Team HOPE aims to support young people facing difficult circumstances, with a long-term vision of operating from its own dedicated premises.
“We’re planning to introduce Team HOPE Care Packages for children going through tough times,” Sean said.
“These will include small gifts to put a smile on their faces and brighten what may be a very difficult period in their lives.
“We also hope to organise free family fun days and, eventually, special trips—like visits to Lapland or Disneyland—to help create lasting memories.”
The group’s long-term ambition is to establish a dedicated facility offering a welcoming, positive and motivational environment, complete with trained coaches, accessible gym facilities, and recovery services such as saunas, ice baths and hydrotherapy.
Anyone interested in getting involved with Team HOPE or supporting its fundraising efforts, including the Strabane Lifford Half Marathon, can contact Sean Doherty or Karen Barnfield via Instagram, TikTok or Facebook, or by email at [email protected].
The 11th Strabane Lifford Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, May 17 and sold out earlier this month in record time.
To access race day information, visit www.derrystrabane.com/slhm.
For event enquiries, contact [email protected] or call 028 71 253 253