You gotta love a good "cause," am I right?
Such is the case with partaking in an event (ahem, like a race) and fundraising for their charity partner(s) or the event itself.
Hence my 10-year relationship with the Fight for Air Climb, my favorite cause.
But, first things first, what's a good cause?
"If you say that something is for a good cause, you mean that it is worth doing or giving to because it will help other people, for example by raising money for charity." (Collins Dictionary)
...and what would be the "effect," of said cause? Simply put, the benefactors are those whom the charity or organization serves.
With Marathon Monday fresh in our memories, many of us were captivated by all the glamour and glitz (and grit) of the Boston Marathon. I read there were 25,314 registered participants for this year's race (source). I couldn't find final numbers on how many of those participants were charity runners, but I did see there were 2,106 such participants (source) for the 2021 event. Charitable donations exceeded over $26 million for the 2021 marathon (which actually took place in October, of last year, instead of on the usual Patriots Day). WOW!
What is so significant about these charity runners? Not only are they running the iconic Boston Marathon for the glory of the accomplishment, they're also running for the benefit of others. Many of these runners aren't able to qualify (running a qualifying--or faster--time, via a recent marathon), but they're able to secure a Boston bib for themselves by taking part in the Boston Marathon Charity Program (more info HERE). This year, there were 42 participating charities. Potential participants have to apply to be on a team, and there's a minimum requirement of $5,000 in fundraising donations.
Not to take anything away from the runners who have earned their BQ, but I wish the charity runners would get a little more press time and recognition for their efforts. Training for 26.2 miles is a daunting task (I know this for a fact, since I've run nine of them myself). Adding in the additional commitment of fundraising ups the #badass component (IMO).
Circling back...
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While I have done well over 100 races and fitness-themed events (I don't know an exact count, LOL), the Fight for Air Climb is the one where I've invested the most time and energy with fundraising. I did my first Climb in 2013 (recap) and have returned every year since (with the exception of 2019, when I was in DC for the CUCB Cherry Blossom 10-miler). This event has a $100 (minimum) fundraising commitment, which is pretty attainable. I don't know my cumulative totals, but I have exceeded the $100 minimum each year without feeling like it was a burden. Besides, it feels good knowing others are benefiting while I sweat-it-out on the stairs.
The 2022 Climb takes place on May 7th, and I'm looking forward to it! I've passed the $100 minimum with fundraising, but why stop there? If you're interested in supporting the cause, my fundraising page is HERE. The Climb is affiliated with the American Lung Association, so all funds raised go towards research and support of those afflicted with lung disease.
Have you ever done fundraising in association with a race or fitness-inspired event? Have you heard of the Boston Marathon Charity Program? Would you consider being a charity runner to secure a bib for Boston?
I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up
Fundraising in association with running is not well-known in Switzerland. I think I once participated in an event that was dedicated to multiple sclerosis. The bank I worked for sponsored every round with a donation to the MS society. But these events are rare.
ReplyDeleteIn South Africa, I know of at least one donation-inspired event. I'll be participating in it on the same day as your Fight for Air event. While you will be running up the stairs, I will be running up Table Mountain! I'll be thinking of you!
Oooh, I'll be thinking of you, too!! There's strength in numbers, so let's capitalize on that ;-)
DeleteLike Catrina, we don't have too many fundraising running/fitness events here. But I have so much respect for anyone who runs a marathon for others. That distance is incredibly tough and more so the sacrifices made for weeks during training - it's a not easy and I think they deserve that extra bit of recognition for their efforts.
ReplyDeleteThe charity athletes really are the unsung heroes, for Boston and all other events as well. It adds another element of discipline onto their training!
DeleteYou're right- the charity runners for Boston don't get enough recognition. I watched the race yesterday and did a whole post about it, but I forgot all about those running for charities. The amount raised is 2021 in HUGE!!! And you're right- training for a marathon and raising $5000 is a big task. Just out of curiosity- are you considering doing it yourself sometime?
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I have considered doing the charity route for Boston. I'd like to legit qualify, but at this point in time I really don't have the desire to put in the training to make it happen. The main thing holding me back (should I ever score a Boston opportunity) would be training through the Iowa winter #WhompWhomp
DeleteI definitely get sucked into signing o for a race just because of the cause...
ReplyDeleteIn fact, it's why I am running a 5k on May 1 and June 11.
I do have a lot of respect for those charity runners. It is hard to raise money!!!
Raising money is tough, no doubt about it. It's nice finding races that support a good cause, isn't it ;-)
DeleteI do know about the charity component of Boston, but I really suck at fundraising so no, don't think I'm taking that challenge on. Even though my husband loves Boston, having grown up nearby, he is not fond of crowds.
ReplyDeleteI have done a little fundraising for raises here & there.
Fundraising can be overwhelming. I'm glad the Climb's minimum is just $100, so it's not too intimidating.
DeleteWhat a great way to combine a passion and active pursuit with a good cause.
ReplyDeleteI actually don't know of any such running races locally, but I know people that have done independent activities like this.
The closest thing I've ever done has been Coldest Night of the Year which is a local charity that supports homeless shelters. People register and then fundraise and walk at night in the middle of winter (hence coldest night of the year and it often is COLD). It gets HUGE attendance and support and I get warm fuzzies just thinking about it. But the exercise component is mostly irrelevant, but it has a similar feel to what you're discussing!
Oh, the Coldest Night sounds like a nice event! Granted, I hate the cold, but it would be a great opportunity to experience "the cold" in a way that many of the homeless benefactors do.
DeleteKim, this is an excellent point that the charity runners deserve to have much more of a shout out than they do.
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe of the athletes that qualify and especially the ones who totally spank the race. But, I never hear much (if anything) about the other runners...you know, the "commoners" like myself, LOL.
DeleteI do love that you do this every year and I also love that you are so passionate about it!
ReplyDeleteI just think it's important to give back, and the American Lung Association is my charity of choice. I'm grateful I can climb in honor of many who cannot ;-)
DeleteI would not do a charity bib for Boston, but I do appreciate the amount those runners raise for charity!
ReplyDeleteTheir fundraising efforts are impressive ;-)
DeleteI think its awesome that so many runners raise money for charity! I don't think I would do it for Boston, but I'd do it for another race if its for a good cause.
ReplyDeleteWell, there certainly are plenty to choose from!
DeleteI have a special place in my heart for runners that fundraise for charities. It's such a great way to give back.
ReplyDeleteI agree, it's a fabulous way to use our talents for the sake of others ;-)
DeleteI thought it was more to fundraise for the Boston Marathon. I will never qualify so a charity bib is an option. In my post I said that I wouldn't fundraise for another marathon. :-)
ReplyDelete