I’ll admit. I’m not a charity runner. Last year I ran a half marathon as a fundraiser for Back on my Feet, a group I still support strongly. Despite some very generous friends and family, I realized that I don’t enjoy fundraising. I really suck at asking people for things and apparently asking for money falls right in there. I’d much rather support others who are doing the fundraising. As Beer Geek commented last year while doing our taxes, we end up donating to a huge variety of organizations and causes depending on who I know is fundraising LOL.
Here are some of my “blogger buddies” who are currently raising money for a cause (leave me a comment if you are fundraising and want to be added):
Heather is fundraising for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation
Fitfluential has adopted two classrooms, one in Joplin, MO and the other in Dallas, TX
Another way to give back is to run a race that raises money for a specific cause. Luckily, there are a ton of those in the DC area, so it is not difficult to find a way to have race fees go for more than just a t-shirt. The 8k I raced today is raising funds in honor of local police officers killed in the line of duty. Later this year, I’ll be racing the Dash for Dad, which is put on by ZERO – the project to end prostate cancer.
Here are some other race opportunities this spring in the DC area that give back to a cause:
Red Shoe Run & Walk 5K to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington D.C. March 25.
Sunday, March 25th , at 9:00 AM (shotgun start), join Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington D.C. for its Red Shoe Run & Walk 5K. At Dulles Station Blvd., Herndon, VA. Proceeds help children heal faster and better. The Red Shoe 5K is for racers, leisure walkers and runners. Racers awarded cash prizes (IPICO timing system.) Special Kids Run. Prizes and surprises. Kids get community service hours. Cost: Before March 1st – Adults $30 pp/Kids $25. Team & Family discounts. Kids in strollers and dogs free. Sign up on-line now at www.redshoe5K.org or call 703.698.7080 and help in the fight for children’s health.
7th Annual Scope It Out 5K
Presented by: Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation
When: Sunday, March 25, 2012
Where: Freedom Plaza (13th and Pennsylvania), Washington, D.C.
Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
Website/Event Registration: www.chris4life.org or www.scopeitout5k.com
The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce the 7th Annual Scope It Out 5K Run/Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 25, 2012 in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C. Registration is now open with the race kicking off at Freedom Plaza (13th & Pennsylvania) and will include a scenic tour of popular DC sites including the National Galley, Newseum, FBI Headquarters, Ford’s Theater, U.S. Botanical Gardens, and the Capitol.
The 7th annual event, held during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, is expected to attract approximately 5,000 participants. The Washington, DC/Metro Area unfortunately ranks #1 in the nation to lives lost to Colon Cancer. Overall, colon cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women combined. Over 150,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2011.
The race started as a tribute to Charles A. Kraenzle who lost a two-year battle with colorectal cancer in 2002. The inaugural race was held in 2005 drawing more than 700 participants. The race was an effort to call attention to the test (the colonoscopy) that would have saved Kraenzle’s life if his family had been aware of its importance. The race name is an attempt to be both direct and humorous – to encourage others to talk about the need to be scoped.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Freedom Plaza, Washington, DC
The Race for Hope DC, a 5K course in the nation’s capital, is a fun and inspiring way to join forces in the fight against brain tumors by raising funds for research. It is one of the largest fundraisers in the country benefiting the brain tumor community and the proceeds support National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. Through generous gifts from individuals and company sponsorships, the Race for Hope – DC has raised more than $15 million in its history. Join thousands of runners and walkers supporting the brain tumor community on May 6 to participate in the 15th Annual Race for Hope – DC at Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC.
Know of some other races with a cause? I’d love to link them up here!
What great causes! A few more….
Fellow FFA Laura Mount of http://www.wifemotherathlete.com/ will be running for the Rev3 Run Across America to raise money for the Ulman Cancer Fund. Jen Small of http://milesmusclesmommyhood.blogspot.com/ is also leading a virtual team (including me) to raise money. I know that Amanda Loudin http://www.misszippy1.com and Harmony Love Davis are doing the virtual run also.
Michele Gonzales and I are running for Team Red, White, and Blue http://www.teamrwb.org to raise money for wounded warriors. =)
This is so great!! Love the idea of doing a charity round up like this too!!
Great idea to spread the word like this… I keep meaning to link up the Tx schools as well, and forgot again! This week, I hope.
Thanks for spreading the word about these events and fellow runners who are running for charity! The big one we do each year is a local 5K that raises money for new equipment for the breast center at our local hospital. We run in memory of our sister in law every year.
Nearly every event I do has some charity linked to it. It seems that runners as a group are fairly socially aware and want to give back. It’s something that we can all be proud of.
Nearly every event I do has some charity linked to it. It seems that runners as a group are fairly socially aware and want to give back. It’s something that we can all be proud of.