This week’s Tuesday Topic is: Tips or benefits of running a marathon for charity?   You can write about this topic or feel free to post any running related blog post.  Remember to link up with Kim and Zenaida!  Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier!  Remember to come back for later linkers!

Did you watch the Boston Marathon yesterday?  Wow!  The women’s race was INTENSE!  My students and I were jumping up and down and screaming.  I had my students watch it with me – not the whole thing but definitely the ending of the women’s race.  They were so cute!  I love spectating the Chicago Marathon and have decided that next year I will go to Boston to spectate.  Save the date for April 17, 2023!

It has been years since I’ve run a marathon for charity.  My very first marathon in 2006 I ran on behalf of Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.  I think I had to raise $3000.  Other years I’ve also run on behalf of the American Cancer Society.  Two things that I loved about running for them were the free training programs through CARA and the hospitality tent after the race.

I think I was lucky when I was fundraising because I received a lot of money from family and friends.  I used to work at the American Bar Association and I also asked the members to donate money.  I remember them giving me $250, $100, and $50.  I had no trouble raising the money for the various races.

🟣  Back then I relied a lot on letters.  There was no Facebook or Instagram to ask for a donation.  I mailed everyone I knew a letter explaining why I was running the marathon and the reason for running for that specific charity (one of my sisters is a breast cancer survivor).  I also included a self-addressed and stamped envelope for them to send the form with a check or credit card information.  Very convenient for them. 

🟣  I sent emails.  Again, no Facebook to send messages.  I sent a couple to remind them to send their donations.  Many would thank me for the reminder.

🟣  Thanks for Facebook, friends that are raising money post about it there.  I like reading the story behind the race and the charity.  I want to know why they picked that charity.

🟣  I have asked friends to remind me about the donation.  As much as I would love to drop everything right there and then to click on the link and make a donation, most likely it won’t happen.  Life happens.  I get distracted and forget.  I tell them that I will NOT be annoyed if they keep reminding me – I want them to!

I don’t think I will run and raise money again for a charity but am more than happy to make a donation.  If you are running for an organization that has to do with children (extra points for education), breast cancer, or pets (cat lover here), then definitely count me in.

Topic for next week – FREE Topic.  Feel free to write about any running related topic.  We hope you’ll link up with us!

Tuesday Topics

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

23 Comments on Tuesday Topics: Running a marathon for charity

  1. I agree that it’s so fulfilling to raise money for a charity that has a personal connection or tie. I’ve done the Fight for Air Climb for many years, and it has a big place in my heart due to the number of friends and relatives afflicted with ling disease. And, I’m a huge advocate for fresh air. Well, and we all know how much I love my stair workouts, LOL

  2. Look at your kids in class!!! It must have been so fun for them to watch what went down! It’s so hard to imagine a time without social media so I love that throwback to the good old way of doing things – letters and stamps!

    • Hopefully they’re remember the teacher that runs and made them watch the Boston Marathon. I am enjoying sending cards to friends. I know email/text is easier and faster but a card is even better!

  3. Wow! USD 3’000 is a lot of money! Well done for being so persistent and diligent in raising that amount.

    A few days ago when reading Marcia’s post I realized that I will be running a qualifying marathon for Boston in September this year (Berlin). I would love to run Boston next year. If you’re spectating, we might even meet up!

  4. It is hard. I have never run a big race for a charity but I did raise money for a 5k (Susan Komen.) Like $500 and it was tough getting those donations.

    Now I donate to others and run races that donate to a charity.

  5. I’ve never run for a charity but I think letter writing and emails are great ways to fundraise. Especially with including the envelope so they can mail your gift! I agree with having reminders. I can usually give right then and there if I feel moved to but sometimes I have to do some shuffling and need a reminder!

  6. that is fun that you had the opportunity to raise money for a marathon. I have not raised funds for a race bib but I have supported a bunch of friends for theirs. Does that count?!

  7. I ran my first Chicago marathon for a charity–and that was before you needed to enter the lottery to get in. I thought it would be a good motivator for me and it was. I just didn’t like asking people for money.

    • So weird how much it has changed. I remember signing up before Memorial Day and then registration closed that weekend. It was definitely easier before to get in the marathon.

  8. Unfortunately I didn’t get to watch any of the race yesterday but I heard it was very exciting!
    Believe it or not, people still use email for fundraising. I would say 9 out of 10 times I get an email from a friend fundraising for a race. I think it’s a great way to reach multiple people at once.

  9. YES! I watched the marathon yesterday! I love that you watched it with your students. The women’s race was excited- it’s not often there’s an actual race at the end of a marathon. I’ve never run a marathon to raise money for charity but I will definitely let you know if I do one! I’m getting inspired by everyone’s posts today.

Leave a Reply to Zenaida ArroyoCancel reply