Running for a Cause

Running for a Cause

You race for a variety of personal, social and competitive reasons, and one of them probably includes a race tied to a charity you're connected to in some way. You might be one of those people with tears in your eyes crossing the finish line at the Run for a Cure with a big heart on your back and "I"m running for ... my mom!" written in black pen. You might be showing up for the Rock the House Run because a friend of a friend of a friend's kid got sick and they stayed at the Ronald McDonald House once. Maybe running charity races is your way of donating to charity: everyone wins.

On the eve of the biggest race in Calgary (I wrote this May 29th) I thought I would mention a few other races you might want to sign up for while you're swept up in the moment.

June 13th is the date for the 5k/8k Betty's Run for ALS. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease. There is no known cure or effective treatment.

Support the Kipnes Centre for Veterans by racing the Run for the Brave, 5k and 10k, in Edmonton, August 14.

On August 29th the Calgary Women's Run 5k and 10k race will donate the proceeds from their race to the YMCA Calgary School Support Program.

Help the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton by running the 5k Run Wild for Wildlife Fun Run on October 23rd in Hawrelak Park in Edmonton.

Doctors Without Borders provides emergency health and medical assistance to populations in danger in more than 70 countries. On November 6 the Run Without Borders offers and 5k and 10k race.

Sign up for Sight Night, an 8k run with proceeds to support the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind. November 20.

And this is just a small local sample. Feel free to link to your favourite charity race below. (Other links will be deleted.)