Charity-inspired running events perfectly combine raising awareness with raising the bar on your health.
Running isn’t just a side gig – for most, it’s a lifestyle. It’s even more fun when you’re doing it for a cause you’re passionate about. Not only are you constantly motivated to raise awareness, the events make you that much more determined to build (and stick to) an exercise routine.
Ready to bring out your personal best? Here are 10 running events for charity you can participate in:
1. American Diabetes Association: Step Out
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Step Out takes place in 125 cities nationwide, and includes more than 120,000 walkers who’ve been impacted by diabetes in some way. The money goes to the ADA’s research, education and advocacy efforts.
2. Girls on the Run
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Girls on the Run is an international non-profit organization that provides health education and wellness programs to girls ages 8 to 12. It’s a 10-week program where they train for a run/walk event while building healthy habits and self-esteem.
3. Joints in Motion
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Arthritis is the number-one cause of disability in the U.S., and Joints in Motion helps victims through a run/walk event as part of the Arthritis Foundation. Participants train for a marathon in groups, but they also have a “Virtual Joints in Motion” option if you live too far away.
4. Komen Race for the Cure Series
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This is the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. It’s one of the top running events to raise money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, and they host more than 100 races per year.
5. The Reeve Foundation
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Named after the late Christopher and Dana Reeve, this charity helps victims of paralysis. They currently have event listings right up until November 2014.
6. Relay for Life
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This is the American Cancer Society’s overnight event to raise money for research and programs. There are over 4,800 running events nationwide that raise money for the fight against cancer. Teams of eight to 15 people pitch tents, with the goal of having one person on the track at all times.
7. Run for Autism
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This run is for the Organization for Autism Research, and helps them raise $1 million annually – which goes toward autism research and awareness.
8. Team Hope for the Warriors
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Compete in marathons as well as triathlons and biking comps to support war veterans and their families.
9. Team in Training
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Each participant of Team in Training competes in honor of someone fighting blood cancer. Over 390,000 people have competed in marathons and other endurance events. The proceeds go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
10. Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
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This one’s for the hubbies: It’s an international men’s march to stop violence against women.
Do you participate in running events for charity?
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Image: Dawn