Running for charity is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make as a runner. You are not just chasing a dream finish time or ticking off a bucket-list race; you are helping a cause that truly matters. But with thousands of amazing charities out there and so many stories worth supporting, knowing how to choose a charity to run for can feel overwhelming.
That is exactly where realbuzz comes in. With more than two decades of experience connecting runners to global events and meaningful causes, realbuzz has helped fundraise over £1 billion for more than 5,000 charities. Whether you are taking on your first half-marathon or your fifth world major, we are here to make choosing your charity, fundraising for your event, and enjoying the whole experience as simple and fulfilling as possible.
In this guide, you will learn how to choose a charity to run for, what to think about before committing to a cause, when to kick-start your fundraising, and invaluable fundraising tips from the experts.
Before diving into how to choose a charity to donate to or run for, it helps to understand why combining running with fundraising is such a powerful experience.
On days when motivation dips or winter weather makes training tough, knowing your run supports something bigger than yourself adds an extra push. Every mile is taken on for an amazing cause.
Charity running introduces you to a whole new network of runners, supporters and charity teams who share your enthusiasm. Whether through online groups, event meet-ups or race-day camaraderie, you instantly become part of something special.
Crossing the finish line already feels incredible. Doing it knowing you have raised awareness and funds for a cause you care about is a whole new level of fulfilment.
Running for charity is a way to do something positive for the world while doing something positive for yourself. Which brings us to the big question: how do you pick the right cause?
When figuring out how to choose a charity to run for, the most important step is to reflect on your personal motivations. Your “why” will become the anchor for your entire training and fundraising journey.
Ask yourself questions like:
There is no right or wrong answer. What matters is choosing a cause you genuinely believe in, because people donate to someone passionate about their cause. When your story is authentic and heartfelt, support follows.
If you want inspiration, browse the hundreds of incredible causes listed on the realbuzz charities page. It is a great way to discover organisations you may not have heard of but will feel instantly connected to.
When deciding which charity to donate to, many runners find themselves weighing up whether to support a local cause or an international charity. Both options have huge benefits!
Local charities often provide direct, visible impact within your own community.
If you love the idea of raising awareness on your doorstep, a local charity may be the perfect fit.
International charities often tackle large-scale challenges, such as global health, disaster relief or wildlife conservation.
If you want your miles to contribute to a global mission, an international organisation may resonate more deeply with you.
Once you have an idea of the cause that matters to you, it is time to explore your options. Choosing the right charity for you involves doing a little research to make sure it’s the right fit.
Look at what the charity actually does day to day.
A clear sense of impact will make your fundraising feel far more meaningful.
Many charities have dedicated charity running teams with:
The level of support can make a huge difference to your training experience.
Do they feel approachable, enthusiastic, and passionate? Do you feel welcomed by their team?
Your relationship with your charity should uplift you throughout training, especially on the hard days.
A common question runners ask is when to launch their fundraising page. The answer is: earlier than you think. Starting early offers huge benefits:
A good rule of thumb is to start your fundraising as soon as you secure your charity place. Whether your event is in six months or eighteen months, the earlier you begin, the easier and more enjoyable the journey becomes. Research from the major fundraising platforms, like GoFundMe, shows that pages with early momentum perform the best, with the platform recommending to share your page within 10 hours of creation.
If you need help raising funds, realbuzz has a huge library of proven fundraising ideas and guides for launching early, promoting your story, and growing donations over time.
Here are a few of our recommended reads:
Learning how to choose a charity to run for is an important part of your running journey, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Start with what matters to you, explore the causes that excite you, consider the impact you want to make and choose the charity whose mission inspires you the most.
At realbuzz, we are here to support you every step of the way. From helping you find the right charity to providing expert fundraising tips, our goal is to make charity running more accessible and rewarding than ever.
Whichever cause you support, you are about to make a difference in ways that reach far beyond the finish line. So take your time, trust your instincts and get ready to run for a reason that truly moves you.
Choose your charity and start your journey today
