So you're considering running for charity but are a little confused about all the different options. Not to worry - here's your guide to running for charity in major events such as the BMW Berlin-Marathon.
The majority of races out there allow you to apply for a place in the race yourself, but for some of the bigger and more popular races, demand far outstrips the places available. In these events, charities are able to buy a limited number of places and use these for fundraising, through sponsorship and other means.
Charity places in running events
Runners who opt to get in touch with a charity with a view to securing a charity place, need to remember that charities are dependent on this income. In major events, the demand is high, so charities will usually only accept an application from those who have a realistic hope of reaching the fundraising target. There isn’t usually a penalty if you don’t manage to raise the minimum sponsorship amount, but charities ask that you don't apply for a place unless you are sure that you will be able to raise at least the specified minimum amount. And of course, the charities will always give you fundraising help and support in any way they can.
Own place charity running
If you choose to take the other option and attempt to secure your own running place via a public ballot or some other means, this means that you are still able to run for a charity.
Anyone who is lucky enough to secure a place can still run for charity, and they won’t have to reach a specific fundraising target.
There is only one thing more rewarding than running the race – and that's running it for charity!
Remember that anything you raise will be additional income for the charity. They will only face a small cost when looking after you as part of their running team, so the more runners with ballot places, or equivalent, that they can attract, the better.
So which running option is best for you?
Having established the difference between own place runners and charity place runners, you may still be unsure which is the best option for you. Trying to get your own place is not a guaranteed option, and starting to train for a race and then finding you haven't got a place can be hugely disappointing.
If you’re running in an event then why not run for charity ? Make the miles mean more, and get involved with a charity close to your heart to help raise much-needed revenue. You'll also have extra support on the big day, and reaching the finish line will be doubly rewarding knowing that you've achieved a personal goal and a charity one too.