Charity runs

Running events and charitable fundraising have been closely linked for decades, with some major events, like the London Marathon or Great North Run, raising tens of thousands of pounds each year for a range of good causes. Even if you have joined an event without fundraising, you will enjoyed the carnival atmosphere that charity stalls can create, spurring runners on to the finish line.

By contrast, smaller events may be dedicated to one charity that aids people in the local area. For example, Race for Life is an annual event organised by Cancer Research UK and the proceeds are all dedicated to that cause.

Some runners will have one charity that is particularly close to their heart while others will be keen to just raise money for a good cause, helping to motivate their training when the going gets tough. It can feel more difficult to back out of an event if you've started fundraising already!

In many cases, events will reserve a certain number of entries for charities, which means that once the general sale or ballot has closed, running for charity will be your only way of getting a place in an event. While you may not have planned on fundraising, this could be the start of a great relationship with that charity!

It is worth paying attention to what a charity will stipulate as their minimum fundraising requirement - in some cases, there may be no minimum but others will require you to raise at least £200 or more. In return, the charity will then provide you with a range of support, which could include:

• A branded t-shirt or vest to run in
• A training programme
• Fundraising support, such as advice and digital assets
• A cheer point along the route to spur you on

Even if you have never considered running for charity before, there are many benefits to getting involved and some brilliant causes for which you can raise some much-needed money. Use this page to browse events or get in touch to find out more.