As someone who works with a non-profit organization, I can tell you that fundraising in the time of Covid is more difficult than ever.
So as you make your race plans for the fall or are looking ahead to 2022, I urge you to consider putting some of your miles to work on behalf of a charity.
Photo by Capstone Events on Unsplash
Five Reasons to Run for a Cause
Raise much-needed funds. The money raised from registration fees and fundraising pages help to directly advance the charity’s mission.
Raise awareness. Beyond the immediate money raised, many charities can also benefit from a boost in awareness. This awareness can lead to new volunteers and partnerships, and future potential donations down the road.
Pay it forward. Running in support of an organization that has directly impacted you, your family or friends gives you an opportunity to give back.
Get inspired and inspire others — On those days you just don’t feel like training, having a “why” bigger than yourself can be very inspiring. Additionally, your efforts to support your chosen cause can also inspire others to join you or get out in support of a cause of their own.
It feels good! This one may sound selfish but there’s no denying that quite simply it feels good to do good!
Do you run for a cause? Five reasons you should! #bibchat #backonmyfeet #BOMFBR #bibravepro #FitFiveFriday Click To TweetI always try to run in support of a couple of charities each year. This year one of the causes I will be supporting is Back on My Feet.
Back on My Feet operates in 14 major cities across the country, focused on combating homelessness through the power of running, community support, and essential employment and housing resources. The Back on My Feet Running Festival will be held September 18 – 25th and features a range of distances (5K, 10K, 15K, or 30K). I’ll be running the 10K. If you’d like to join me, use the discount code “BibRave5!” to save $5 off registration.
Have you run for a charity? Tell me a cause you’d like to support.
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Which charity a race supports often comes into my decision making process.
The friends we visited in ME a pre big supporters of The Dempsey Center, which supports those battling cancer, survivors & their families.
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That’s great that the charity factors into your race decisions. I do the same. I haven’t heard of the Dempsey Center but will look them up. Thanks for sharing.
I love everything this organization stands for. I have signed up to run the virtual as well. See you there!
I’m so glad you signed up!
I definitely run races to support a charity.
Breast cancer is a big one because I have so many friends who have had it.
I work with a breast cancer nonprofit so that’s always a cause near and dear to my heart too.
Back on my Feet sounds like an amazing cause to run for. I’m going to look into doing one of the shorter distances. Thanks for this post!
That’s great Jenny – let me know if you decide to sign up.
I previously ran for a Dutch epilepsy foundation as one of my colleague’s daughter was born with severe epilepsy and we weren’t even sure she would make it to a year old (she’s 7 now!). I wanted to run for charity to also give me the motivation to go through my training and do a great job on my race. And I did. I raised EUR 1000 and ran my 2nd Half Marathon in Berlin with a ridiculous 22 minute (or so) PR from the first. Every step was for Lotte :-).
I find it hard these days because everyone is raising money for something. And I like to go with smaller charities as I feel they get looked over a lot.
Your charity sounds totally like something I would run for too.
Wow Renée I love that story of every step for Lotte – a great example of finding motivation in something greater than yourself <3
I love Back on my Feet and always run their in person race here in February – I’ll check out the virtual. A bunch of my friends signed up for the Seawheeze virtual 10K – it’s $5 and all funds go to charity. I love to run and bike for my fave charities!
That’s great that you’ve supported BOMF before!
I had meant to sign up for Seawheeze but kept forgetting. I will have to see if the registration is still open and who they’re supporting.
Yes!!! There are so many charities & worthwhile organizations that need the running community’s assistance, in general and during these tough times. I’m actually running a 5K (virtually) in a few weeks that supports the UofI children’s hospital…while in Maryland for the Iowa football game 🙂
That is the beauty of the virtual run, you can support them from anywhere. Great cause!
I’ve never raised money with a race for charity but I’ve worked with and volunteered with many charities in the past and I’d love to raise money for a race one day! I’ve looked into doing the ones with runDisney but just never was confident in the time I had to commit to raising funds like that.
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Volunteering is a great way to support a charity!
Great topic! I support the AHA with Lawyers Have Heart. I used to support Childrens Hospital when I was involved with Cherry Blossom — people were generous with their donations.
BOMF is a great organization I’m happy to support.
I’ve run a few marathons in support of breast cancer. Now while I don’t race much, I try to donate and support runners that do. But my problem is that I forget and need to be reminded. 🙂
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One year I ran a race for Lyme disease. My cousin had it and all the proceeds was going to that Fondation. It did make me feel good that I was contributing in some way while also being able to some fun.
Such a great way to give back!