Decided to Run for charity? Great stuff! These are some of the many fantastic benefits that are in store for you. Just getting started? Then be sure to check out our Start to Run section for top tips to get you moving.
In just a few weeks you will start to see a real difference, both inside and out.
Here’s what you can look forward to:

Charity Running makes you happier

Exercise is said to be the best medicine and running has been proven to help with depression. A 15 minute run, or even 30 minutes of walking can lift your mood significantly. Regular running will ensure you are less stressed out and generally more relaxed and positive. So every time you commit to getting out there to train for your charity run – you will feel happier!

If you’re feeling down or anxious, try heading outside for a short run in the fresh air – getting your blood pumping can do wonders, making you feel better almost instantly. Not only will your charity benefit when you commit to becoming a charity runner – you will too!

Charity Running gets you fitter

Running is one of the best ways to burn calories and improve your fitness: your heart and lungs need to work hard to keep the blood pumping to your muscles. When you run for charity, you run for a cause - proven to make you work that little bit harder & therefor you will become that little bit fitter! You’ll also find that running tones and strengthens your whole body, especially your legs and bum – bonus!
Charity Running is a great weight loss tool
Are you looking to lose weight? Sign up for a charity run to give you a goal & keep an eye on your calorie intake when you go for your regular training runs - you’ll be shedding the pounds in no time. Running burns calories faster than almost any other activity you can do. The average person running burns around 100 calories per mile.

Charity Running strengthens bones and joints

You may have heard rumours that running is bad for your knees - Blasphemy!! On the contrary, running actually strengthens your bones and your joints, knees included! Boston University completed a study of non-runners and found that running helped strengthen the knee cartilage and that there was no increased risk of osteoarthritis among those who took up running.

Charity Running steers you on track for a long and healthy life

By becoming a charity runner you are committing to train for your charity event and lowering your risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and heart disease. Charity runners who continue to run after their charity event are likely to live several years longer than if they didn’t run. Just take it slowly to start with and see your doctor beforehand if you have any existing medical conditions.
Rather than racing off at the speed of light, take the time to start off gently in order to allow your body to adjust to the impact of running. Start out with some walk-run sessions, gradually increasing your periods of running. Before you know it you will be able to maintain a steady pace comfortably. And just wait for those endorphins to hit: it’s the famous charity runner’s high – you’ll be hooked!

Charity Running is great for self-esteem

Once you’ve started your charity running training and begun to notice changes in your body, your confidence levels will soar. Once you’ve nailed your charity running event, you can do anything!
Why not check out Run for Charity and choose a fantastic event near you. Our events calendar has everything from 5k, 10k, to obstacle races for charity and marathons for charity. Head over to the Run for Charity Events Calendar – you’ll be sure to find great charity running events in your area. It’s much easier to motivate yourself to train when you’ve got a goal to work towards.

Good luck!