From X-Factor to the finish line: Meet the Dubliner getting the inner city running

Dwayne Edgar, the force behind Inner City Running Club, told the Irish Independent how he was one of just six people out of 10,000 who progressed through the initial auditions for X-Factor back in 2010.

Dwayne’s audition is still available on YouTube and has garnered over 2 million views, featuring his performance of the Journey hit, Don’t Stop Believin’, long before Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry’s similar efforts this week.

“I definitely don’t believe I have the best voice, but I think it was my showmanship and ability to energise the crowd that carried me through,” he said.

The Dubliner advanced to bootcamp after receiving three yes votes, with one no from Simon Cowell.

Though eventually eliminated at Wembley Arena, he struck up a friendship with Niall Horan and Harry Styles, who were in the same age range.

“I became friends with Niall and got some insight into One Direction’s formation,” Dwayne said.

He recounted one particular incident where he was recognised in a McDonald’s, with people requesting his autograph on napkins.

“I think everyone was a little bit in shock because I went from being a normal lad to everyone knowing me,” he said.

Reflecting on his experiences, he likened the thrill of performing on stage to thousands of people, to the excitement he now finds in his running club, which sees over 700 participants weekly.

He decided to establish the club during lockdown with childhood friend Karl Taaffe, and it has since seen a surge in popularity.

Watch: Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry singing ‘Don’t Stop Believin’

The Inner-City Running Club – meeting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays – continues to thrive with over 200 members.

Explaining the introduction of a membership fee of €55 for three months, or roughly €1.20 per run, Dwayne emphasised the importance of commitment.

“When people invest in something, they tend to value it more,” he said.

Many long-standing members, initially unable to run for more than four minutes, have achieved remarkable milestones, including completing at Ironman events and earning marathon medals.

Dwayne added that while most attendees hail from the inner city, there’s also significant participation from people outside the area who come for the “buzz”.

Describing the club as a “pinch-me moment”, he stressed its primary goals remain that of promoting an active lifestyle, enhancing mental well-being, and “having a bit of craic”.

The club welcomes complete beginners of all ages and boasts a diverse membership, including ten-year-old twins Cobey and Corey, who accompany their father, Jason.

Cobey, who has cerebral palsy, was even able to join the club during the Dublin marathon last October being pushed the entire way before going on his dad’s shoulders for the final 200 metres.

Looking ahead, Dwayne aims to engage more young men in the club to steer them away from negative influences.

“I’m a big advocate of the inner city, I love where I’m from. I’m the person I am today because of where I grew up,” he said.

“We’d love to start getting more younger people involved to get them away from going down the wrong track.”

He said that while he will “never be rich” working as a strength and conditioning coach alongside the running club, he said it’s “not about the money”.

“The genuine happiness I get from seeing smiles on people’s faces. Every day with the club is a blessing,” he said.

“Initially, I wasn’t sure if our sacrifices would pay off, but they truly have. We’re making a positive impact in the inner city, and we’re committed to going even further.”