Each year thousands of amazing people run for charity. The goal of raising funds is a fantastic motivator, and nothing beats the satisfaction of knowing you are running for a good cause.
With over 100 full marathons organised in the UK alone, and many more half marathons and 10k races, there will be an event to suit your location and ability. By doing a little research you can find the event, date and location which is perfect for you.
Planning which event to sign up for is but the first step. Most organised runs have a simple on-line application form to complete before a space is allocated. Some popular races, such as the London Marathon, are oversubscribed and individual spaces are allocated by ballot – so not everyone who applies will be accepted. Individual race websites have details of application deadlines and then its over to you to complete the form and to get your application submitted in time. The race organisers will let you know if you have been accepted and then your training and fundraising can begin in earnest!
Of course, running any distance requires training. The exact details will depend upon your level of fitness and the distance to be run, but generally following 5 simple rules will help you succeed
- Increase your efforts week by week.
- Vary your distances over each week.
- Allow time to rest and recover.
- Warm up before and ‘warm down’ after every run.
- Eat sensibly.
If you are in any doubt about taking up exercise then you are advised to speak to your GP. There are also useful on-line resources to help you stay healthy when training and running. There’s a whole host of advice available – websites such as Runner’s World have useful blogs, recipes and training tips which can inspire and inform you. There’s even tips aimed especially at men and others for women and race-day advice for all types of distances from 5k to marathons.
Inspired now to run for charity? Why not support us?
I have wanted to run a marathon ever since I was young, and it was also a great opportunity to raise some much needed funds for ME Research UK, a cause that is very close to my heart.
Running for ME Research UK
We have been fortunate over the years in having friends and supporters running in the London, Berlin, Amsterdam and New York marathons, to name a few. Each runner had great fun, and said how much more it meant to be running for a good cause.
Just like training, successful fundraising takes planning and effort. This is where we can help. Just as there are 5 simple rules for successful training so there are 5 golden tips for successful fundraising.
- Start an online JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving page. It is free to do and lets your supporters donate quickly and easily at any time and no matter where they are in the world.
- Let your friends and family know. You will raise the majority of your funds from people you already know – so use Facebook to tell everyone what you are doing and link to your JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving page. Tell everyone at work or at your club or society what you are doing.
- Use our sponsorship form for those not on-line.
- Keep supporters updated by telling them what you are doing, how your training is going and who you are raising money for.
- Get publicity. Let your local press know that you will be running, who you are supporting and why. We have lots of hints.
We’ll help you at every stage, if we can.
We have t-shirts and running vests available free of charge in different sizes. All are emblazened with our logo so you can raise awareness as you run.
Our Facebook page is the perfect forum to feature your efforts and to mention your JustGiving page – it gives your donors confidence to see you on our official Facebook page. So check out what our supporters are doing to raise funds for us – it will inspire you!
Ready, set, GO ……Run for ME Research UK – contact us today and take the first step!
