Running is a good cause in and of itself. You’re doing good to your body and improving your overall general health and it’s a great way to blow off steam and up your endorphin levels. But when you exceed your run’s boundaries by running for a cause and helping to raise awareness and funds, you elevate your exercise from feeling good to doing good. I personally prefer this perfect equation as I know that my run will be more than just expended energy.
Charity runs have been around for quite some time. Typically, you donate a small amount to participate or you get sponsorship from a small business or big corporation to reach the desired amount of funds needed to be raised for a certain cause or institution. You benefit from the run and others benefit too. Sure you get healthier, more sociable and happier when you go for group runs outdoors. But you also contribute to a greater goal when running to promote a cause.
This week, running for a cause seems to be global.
New York, Chicago and San Francisco are hosting the annual “Run 10 Feed 10” race, an initiative to end hunger in the U.S. The idea is to run 10 kilometers and 10 meals will be provided for those in need. This is such a great idea and it’s much needed in the Arab world.
But we’re not strangers to charity runs ourselves. Happening in the upcoming week for the fifth consecutive year is the Amman Marathon. It’s a charity run benefiting a wide array of causes and institutions, including the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, the I Am Human Society for the rights of disabled people, the El-Hassan Youth and the Smoke Free Society.
And at Cairo’s first-ever half marathon last May, the proceeds where donated to the Egypt Liver Institute and the Egyptian Special Olympics team. We’re eagerly waiting for the next event and hoping for a wider range of participants and causes. We personally suggest a collaboratin with the Egyptian Food Bank. If anyone is interested in getting involved, Cairo Runners are currently recruiting and looking for fundraising specialists.
The run10feed10.com website offers an interesting view on the hunger issue in America.
Check out the runjordan.com website for more info about their marathon programs and the supported causes and institutions.
And don’t forget Cairo Runners: Check out their website and Facebook page for upcoming runs. They’re season opens in Zamalek this Friday!
WE SAID THIS: Check out our previous article about getting running ready: https://scoopempire.com/