Run for a good cause: take part in a charity run!

Last updated on Wednesday, 10/07/2024

Do you want to contribute to a cause close to your heart? Sporty or not, one way to get fit and raise money for a good cause is to take part in a charity run or marathon! It’s a smart method of creating awareness and a more practical alternative to donating online. Here are some tips to get started!

Marathons or runs done in the name of a charity are a method of creating awareness about a cause. It's also a more practical alternative to donating online. Here are some tips to get started!

Ready...

The first thing to do is to choose a charity or cause that means something to you. Beyond the sense of achievement that you will get from finishing a race, running on behalf of a charity will give you further purpose for achieving your goal. 

Make sure to check out the website of the charity and see how the funds raised will be allocated. You can also start by checking upcoming running events in Europe on Marathon Runners Diary and Ahotu Marathons and see which charity is present.

Do you want to support a specific charity in your district or run for a specific cause that is not yet tackled by a charity? You can build your own project! It will have to be carefully explained, especially if you want to fundraise. Don’t forget that the European Solidarity Corps is there to support youth solidarity projects in the European Union.

Set...

Now that you know for which charity you want to run, learn all about the race requirements. You will usually be asked to pay a registration fee and collect pledges. Most of the time, you will receive a fundraising form to get other people to support your run. Motivated participants can raise thousands of euros for their favourite charities with the online tools most large Marathons provide. Set your own goals and be realistic, especially if it’s the first time!

Remember that in return, you will enjoy a great run, do something meaningful, learn new skills (such as fundraising!) and receive various rewards from the charity you are running for. You will be part of something important and will certainly make new friends who share the same concerns as you!

Go…

If you haven’t done much running before, it’s important to prepare yourself well in advance. Here’s some advice:   

1. Consider training in advance for the race! This way you can avoid injuries. 
2. Make sure you have the right equipment! Using sports clothes and shoes will make the run more enjoyable. 
3. Look after yourself. Eat a balanced diet and give up smoking if you can, as it makes a difference and makes it easier to run.
4. Do it the right way. Wear sunscreen, make sure you stretch properly before you set off, keep your back straight and breathe deeply while running.
5. Never rush. Running a marathon is about patience. Prepare yourself months ahead with regular training. Start running short distances on flat surfaces at first. Run slowly, enough to keep the same pace from start to finish.
6. Stay well hydrated. Drink water regularly, before and during your run.
7. Track your progress. Use an app on your smartphone or a pedometer to count your steps, or keep a running logbook to motivate yourself.
8. Run with friends. It’s always more fun to run with others – run with friends or join a running club to meet other runners.
    

Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link