RUNNING FOR A CAUSE—Get Involved!

We all run for different reasons. The obvious and perhaps the most common reasons have to do with staying fit and creating a healthy balance in life.

Numerous non-profit organizations have developed training and fundraising programs around running events from the 5K to the marathon. Go to any major marathon and you'll see hundreds of runners along the course, supporting their favorite cause. All of these runners, and those associated with other programs or their own personal causes, have spent hours training and fundraising. Why do they do it?

Struggling through a training run or a race is nothing when compared to the challenges faced by those fighting illness, disease, or other hardships. Running for a cause can help put things in perspective.

The rewards for those who run for a cause are priceless: new friendships, a feeling of tremendous accomplishment in helping others, the thrill of crossing the finish line, and the new attitude about running (and life).

If you are interested in running for a cause, there are programs many different programs from which to choose. Some options are listed below. Each program is different, but the rewards of running for a cause are undoubtedly the same. Specific Causes:

AIDS / HIV - List of AIDS Walks (Various lengths)
Alzheimer's - Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk
Arthritis - Arthritis Foundation (5K and Marathon)
Asthma - American Lung Association Asthma Walk
Birth Defects - March of Dimes Walk America
Cancer - American Cancer Society (Relay for Life) The Cancer Council Australia (Relay for Life) Canadian Cancer Society (Relay for Life)
Diabetes - American Diabetes Association (5K)

Canadian Diabetes Association (Marathon)
Disabilities - Easter Seals Walk with Me
Down Syndrome - National Down Syndrome Society's Buddy Walk (1 mile)
Drunk Driving - MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) (5K Walk)
Heart Health - American Heart Association Heart Walk (5K)
Hospice - The National Hospice Foundation (Marathon or Half Marathon)
Hunger Relief - Cropwalk (Various lengths)
Kidney Disease - National Kidney Foundation Kidney Walk
Liver Disease - American Liver Foundation (Boston Marathon)
Lupus - Alliance for Lupus Research (Walk-a-thon)
Multiple Sclerosis - MS Society (5K and 3 Day)