Your running can save a charity money

Charities with guaranteed places in races generally have to purchase their places from the race event that you are entering. But if you are lucky enough to have secured your own place through the race’s ballot or  other entry system, opting to use your entry to run for a charity means that the charity will not incur any costs of that place. What you raise will be largely profit, with only a certain number of things – for example the general admin costs – having to be covered by the charity.

Charity running provides you with a purpose 

Running just for running’s sake may not be enough reason for some people to take on a race. You may look at the challenge and think: 'What’s the purpose of actually doing it other than just getting to the finish line?'. But raising valuable funds can be your very reason for doing it – although you’ll definitely derive some self-satisfaction from completing the race itself, too, especially if it's a challenging distance.

Motivation for running

When the dark nights have set in and the prospect of training in the cold and wet doesn’t quite seem appealing, you might be tempted to give it a miss or even consider pulling out of your race. However, if a charity is relying on you, you won’t want to let them down, so there will be an element of compulsion to make you continue with your training – which may even give you that extra motivation to complete the distance on the big day. 

Personal charity running goal

There may be a personal reason for you wanting to run for a charity – for example if you, a family member, or friend has been affected by a particular disease or illness. Running for a charity may help you feel like you’re doing your bit for the cause that is closest to your heart. It’s often the case that people are motivated by the memory of a loved one – and you might even be able to encourage one of your friends to run for the same charity.

Support network during your running training

Be with fellow runners

If you run for a charity then there’ll be plenty of you in the same boat, so you’ll never be without someone to turn to on race day should you be nervous, unsure or start to flag. Most charity runners will be distinctive because of their clearly marked running tops, so you’ll certainly be in no doubt who they are backing with their run. There is always a real sense of camaraderie amongst charity runners on race day – and there will certainly be some people from the charity on the sidelines willing you on.

Good running support on race day

You’ll have one less worry on your race day, as charities usually take much of the hassle out of your race event by ensuring you know everything you need to ensure your race day runs smoothly. And when you start to struggle, you can guarantee there’ll be gangs of cheerleaders from your charity lining the route to ensure that you get to the finish line.  

Gift aid benefits

Helps raise awareness of the charity through running

High profile race events such as marathons are great opportunities for a charity to raise awareness of their cause. Scores of runners decked out in their running vests on race day can help bring the charity to public consciousness – and you as an individual will be just one of those runners. During the course of your own fundraising you‘ll also be highlighting the charity and its efforts to all of your friends, family and those kind individuals that back you.

Gets you fit through running