Run 4 A Cause

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 triathlon. 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 unemployment, violent acts of nature, political persecution, economic and social degradation, 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 a new attitude about running (and life).

If you are interested in running for a cause, there are many different programs from which to choose. Some options are listed below (just google them for current web url's and site info). Each program is different, but the rewards of running for a cause are undoubtedly the same. 


AIDS / HIV - List of AIDS Walks
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
Bread for the World
Cancer - American Cancer Society (Relay for Life)
The Cancer Council Australia (Relay for Life)
Canadian Cancer Society (Relay for Life)
CAPA
Diabetes - American Diabetes Association (5K)
Canadian Diabetes Association (Marathon)
Disabilities - Easter Seals Walk with Me
Down Syndrome – Step Up for Down’s Syndrome (See local events)
Drunk Driving - MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) (5K Walk)
Feeding America
Habitat for Humanity
Health Ed Connect
Heart Health - American Heart Association Heart Walk (5K)
Heifer International
Hospice - The National Hospice Foundation (Marathon or Half Marathon)
Hunger Relief - Cropwalk (Various lengths)
Kiwanis International Eliminate Project
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)
Outreach International
Orphans Africa
Pencils of Promise
Partnership for a Healthier America
Soles 4 Souls
Sustainable Hope International
Water.org
World Vision

No comments:

Post a Comment

Chicago Playlist

Ready for Chicago! Well, as ready as I'm gonna get. Here's some fun for you young kids. My playlist. Recognise any of the tunes?  ...