[jokerofthepack]

I have a 10k coming up this week and I plan to do a half marathon this year, probably late October time. Would it be right for me to run for a charity? I know some people 'frown upon' people who run to charities that have no meaning to the person and I don't have any that are exactly close to my heart - I've had more distant family members suffer from cancer for example but I know some people who run have had it themselves, or like their mum has died from it. It creates a sort of perspective and (personally) I'd feel as if I was robbing someone more deserving.

'False' isn't the word but I'm not sure if I would feel 100% about running for something that hasn't played a big part in my life, although I would like to raise money for something as opposed to just running for fun. There is a charity that helps people through music, again I haven't ever needed therapy but I am heavily involved with music (although more of a hobby)...I don't know, I'm really just after some opinions or to hear from anyone who has done this

[terrytibbs900]

why do you have to have close connections with a certain illness to raise money for them.

raising money and making a illness more well known will help whatever the case and just because you haven't had the disease doesn't mean you cant help raise money for it.

anyone ill or not who is willing to take time out of their lives for charity is a champion in my eyes.

[blueray]

Run to be more fit The rest are details, the charity workers get paid 40k +, just look at the leader of Christian Aid.

[Ed3003]

I ran a half marathon for Barnardo's in February. I joined the Barnardo's society at uni because a friend of mine started it and I've always wanted to get involved in charities, but like you haven't had a particularly poignant or personal experience to link me to one. Over the past year I've learnt that charity work is incredibly rewarding regardless of the reason for doing it. Although I'm fairly sporty I'd never run before (mainly because I find it pretty boring) but running the half marathon so SO much fun and I got a real sense of achievement out of it, as well as raising a nice amount of money for Barnado's! Don't ever feel guilty for doing something good for other people, a 10k run isn't something anyone could do so you should feel proud for making the commitment to do it. I know some runners object to charity entrants in races because they can get free or reduced entry price but I entered as normal and then contacted the charity afterwards so it wasn't an issue for me. The only thing I would say is, maybe run your 10k as a practice (see how you feel about it) then raise money for a charity in your half marathon? Just because it's difficult asking family and friends for sponsors all the time!

I can't recommend doing a running event enough though, I'm intend to enter another one as soon as possible!! Good luck