The UK's sudden heatwave hasn't stopped runners from sprinting around the local parks, but it has given me a new admiration for them. My personal approach to running is only to do it if someone's chasing you, but many are much more driven, and even the intense heat, potential for sweat-soaked clothing and sunburnt shoulders isn't enough to keep them away. While some enjoy summer runs and all they entail, many do it for a good cause - like organised runs in aid of different charities.
It's that time of year
The charity running season seems to peak during the spring and summer months, when many workplaces are inundated with requests for sponsorship from employees with grand ambitions. Be it a first 5k or an ultra marathon, there's always somebody wanting join the queue of those testing themselves in the name of charity.
It might get a bit repetitive after the fourth or fifth donation request, but it's important to remember that these runners really are doing a great things. They're improving their fitness through training and activity, all while raising money for charitable causes that really need the funds. And it's actually laudable that many people are willing to give up afternoons relaxing in the sun to get involved with organising, volunteering or training to take part in these events. A lot goes into making these events a success.
It takes a lot of bottle
Organising these charity events seems to be a real task. There's so much to think about even for the smallest fun run: getting clearance for the route, health and safety, marshals and volunteers, banners and barriers, timing and recording, plus keeping the runners adequately hydrated along the route.
Many local companies, bloggers, journalists and other kind souls are often willing to donate time, materials or publicity to a good cause. Community events often benefit from support from different organisations in the region - whether it's your local corner shop or the local branch of an international cooperation. It's well worth canvassing around to see who might help.
While many events are organised by full-time charity employees and benefit from commercial tie-ins, smaller events don't usually have these luxuries and have to hunt around for whatever help they can get. It's nice to see examples like Eden Springs offering free cases of water to charity events. Initiatives like this aren't aimed at the big guys, instead they remove one consideration for the organisers of smaller charity activities, from community danceathons to fun runs.
So think kindly of the charity runners and charity athletes, the fundraisers and the organisers; don't hesitate to jump onto a JustGiving page and give what you can. Because it's tiring and thirsty work doing what you can for charity.