Running a marathon for any charity is a very rewarding experience. Even with the weeks of hard training that potentially lie ahead if you choose to take on the Beijing Marathon challenge, you are guaranteed to get a lot more out of the experience and gain extra motivation if you are running for a worthy cause. Knowing that each step you take will be help your charity will make the sense of achievement at completing your race even more special, so don’t just run the Beijing marathon – run the Beijing marathon for charity.

Here are our top ten reasons why you should run the Beijing Marathon for a charity.

Raises money for your charity

There’s no denying that one of the main reasons a charity wants you to run for them is because you raise money for their cause. Charities with places in the race will usually have a target amount in mind that they expect runners to raise to enable them to get the maximum from their place, but there’s no reason you can’t raise more than they anticipated and give them a bonus. Step by step you are going to be making a big difference to the charity.

Provides you with a purpose for running

Not everyone wants to a run a marathon just for the sake of completing it. Some people may want a purpose other than just having the satisfaction of reaching the finish line and this is where running for charity gives them a real purpose. Raising valuable funds can be your very reason for doing it – although once you reach that finish line, you’ll definitely get some self satisfaction from the achievement of running 26.2 miles too.

Gives you added motivation

When the prospect of training either in the cold and wet or even on a baking hot day doesn’t quite seem appealing, you might be tempted to skip the training or even consider quitting altogether and pulling out. However, if there is a charity relying on you, it’s likely you really won’t want to let them down, so you will feel compelled to get out and get training. This factor may even give you that extra push to complete the Beijing Marathon if you are struggling on race day.

Personal charity goal

There may be a personal reason for you wanting to run the Beijing Marathon for a charity – for example if you, a family member, or friend has been affected by a particular disease or illness. Running for a charity may help you feel like you’re doing your bit for the cause that is closest to your heart. It’s often the case that people are motivated by the memory of a loved one – and you might even be able to encourage one of your friends or family members to run for the same charity.

Support network

Charities offer tremendous support and back-up to ensure that you get to the start line in the first place. They often provide great support pre-race – including training plans or online advice – so that you are well prepared for the big day. And it’s likely that they’ll help you with your other arrangements as well, such as getting to the race and finding accommodation in Beijing if you decide to stay for a few extra nights either pre- or post-race.

Be with fellow charity runners

If you run Beijing for a charity then it’s possible there may be quite a few of you – either running for the same charity or any other – so you’ll never be without support on race day should you be nervous or unsure before the race or start to tire during it. Most charity runners will stand out because of their running tops usually displaying the name of the charity they are running for. There is always a special camaraderie amongst charity runners on race day which may help give you an extra spring in your step.

Support from your charity

You should have a few less worries about running the Beijing Marathon, both in the run up to the event and during it, due to support from your charity. They will likely keep you informed with all you need to know, including practical information such as where to stay, attending the Beijing Marathon Expo and getting to the race start. In addition to taking much of the hassle out of your race event, charities are often there on the course so that when you start to struggle their supporters will cheer you to the finish line.   

Helps raise awareness of the charity

High profile race events such as the Beijing Marathon are a great opportunity for a charity to raise awareness of their cause. Scores of runners wearing their running vests on race day can help bring the charity to the public eye, which all helps raise their profile. You as an individual will be just one of those raising awareness of the charity you are supporting. During the course of your own fundraising you‘ll also be highlighting the charity and its efforts to everyone you ask to support your efforts.

Fitness benefits

If you are just starting out in running, training for a race can be a huge challenge – particularly if it’s a long distance race such as the Beijing Marathon – but, if you train properly in a committed way, you quite possibly will be fitter than you’ve ever been. By running for a charity, you do in fact get something back in return – a fitter and healthier you. That’s as good a reason to get out and get training for a marathon now.

The marathon achievement