Charity run advice needed

[danzargo]

Having been bitten by the c25k bug and about to approach Week 8, my mind has got to thinking that I would like to put my new found "fitness skills" to good use for people less fortunate than me. So I was wondering what other folks in similar circs had done to investigate this?

I've never done a run for charity before and feel a bit apprehensive (another word for 'shy' really!!) about it. I've googled lots about it, but like most things with internet searching and research, I've been bombarded with so much information NONE of it has gone in and I'm more confused than ever!!

So, any thoughts are most welcome. I think I'd get a kick out of handing over even a fiver to a charity for which I'd used my new found running skills.

I look forward to reading your most welcome replies.

[doggymum Graduate]

The running bug website has a search facility to find events in your local area broken down into 5k, 10k etc, I don't know if that might help you find something?

Everyone is really friendly at these events so don't feel too nervous, remember that you are all there for the same reason so just go and enjoy yourself

I did the Poppy Run last October, this year will only be its 3rd year so its still a nice small event, unfortunately it means there aren't that many of them. I personally find the Race for Life events a bit overwhelming as they are now so big.

Good luck with whatever race you decide to do

[danzargo Graduate in reply to doggymum]

Cheers for that. I hadn't come across the running bug site. Will take a look! Thnks so much.

[SarahP0003 Graduate]

Hi danzargo, I work for a local charity and we're always really grateful whenever someone does a run for us (can't say I've braved it myself yet but I'm working on it!). I'd say pick a charity that means something to you if possible but don't forget about smaller, local charities. The big national charities often have places up for grabs at high profile runs (you may be expected to raise a target amount) and you should be able to find out about these on their websites. Having someone running for you as a smaller charity can often raise vital funds and is also a great way to profile raise. If you check out your local volunteer centre or council for voluntary services (CVS) they will be able to tell you about your local charities - some won't have websites and you'll probably be surprised by just how many there are. Some areas have collaborative fundraising so it goes into a borough wide pot that small charities can then bid for but your CVS would be able to tell you if this is available in your area. Good luck and let us know how you get on!

[danzargo Graduate in reply to SarahP0003]

That's really useful, thank you. Hadn't thought of smaller charities. Nice idea.

[SarahP0003 Graduate in reply to danzargo]

Unfortunately people don't tend to think of smaller charities as it's the big national ones that people are more aware of. In my charity we raise funds each year to hold a Christmas party for deprived/vulnerable children and their families so our fundraisers know that their efforts go into 'helping Father Christmas' to provide toys and a great party - it's nice to know exactly what the money you raise ends up being used for and the fact that it's local children makes it even better!

[pingle Graduate]

I think running for a small charity is a great idea! That said I ran in the local Race for Life (for Cancer UK) last Sunday and it was fabulous. It was my first organised event and I was very nervous. No need to be, everyone was so friendly, the atmosphere was very relaxed and there was a total mix of runners, joggers and walkers. No- one minded how slow you were, whether you ran or walked or how long it took. The fact that there were so many other people sort of carried you along and I ran faster than I expected. Raised a fair bit of money too - I think my friends were so bemused at the thought of me running 10K they thought they'd better sponsor me. So small or large - it's all good! Go for it! Good luck

[danzargo Graduate in reply to pingle]

Thanks pingle. That's great.

[esxchaz Graduate]

I will be running my first charity run in July. I chose a charity i wanted to raise money for and went on their website which had a link to fundraising events and found that there was a local big fun run. If there is a charity you would like to help see if their website has a fundraising page

[danzargo Graduate in reply to esxchaz]

Good plan. Thank you, I will definitely do that.

[avensis Graduate]

Our local Parkrun often has flyers or even reps of the charity coming along to highlight local small races. I pick ones that I believe in and that I believe I could manage! I usually just pay the admission and don't seek sponsorship otherwise family and friends begin to avoid you. I just ask them to give directly to the charity if they think it is worthwhile.

[Plinth Graduate]

We've had this issue too. Hubbie doesn't qualify for race for life - wrong gender to care about cancer - but we've found a big fun run nearish us in September, where you can pick your charity.