subject: Running for charity: what you need to consider [print this page] Running for charity: what you need to consider
Running for charity isn't something to be considered lightly. While the idea that you're doing your part for a worthy cause can be great motivation to push yourself, you should make sure you're fit, healthy and physically capable of running the required distance before signing up to the event - otherwise you may find it difficult to back out and let your sponsors down when the date approaches.
As well as being a great way to raise much-needed funds, charity runs can also be a great excuse to put your skills to the test and enjoy an active day out with friends and other associates. Running can be much more enjoyable in company, and by donning the charity colours and racing around dedicated areas in your town or city, you can enjoy a healthy afternoon that will take care of your weekend's exercise.
You don't have to rely on charities and organisations to arrange these events themselves though, and if you feel there's a drought in charity runs in your area, taking it upon yourself to arrange an event can be an empowering activity. There are many things to consider when arranging a charity run, but as long as you don't come across major obstacles such as road closures, you should find that people are more than willing to help you get your event up and running.
Obtaining permission to use your desired route on the planned day of the event can be the biggest challenge, especially if it involves diverting traffic, so getting in touch with your local council well in advance of the date can be useful for making sure no one else has booked the area already. You will also need to contact the charity you intend to raise funds for, as although they will naturally be grateful for your contributions, you still need to obtain permission to use their name and logos.
Whether you're planning a 5K or 10K race, a fun run or even a leisurely walkathon, you should also arrange liability insurance to protect you in the event that participants are injured during the event, as well as any damage incurred to property. This may seem like extra hassle, but it could prove invaluable in the long run to make sure your running event goes smoothly, and that all money raised can go directly to where it's needed most, instead of being paid out in legal fees.
