Whether you are running a marathon, swimming laps, or cycling up steep terrain, it can be challenging. The obstacles people overcome can inspire others to achieve their goals. From charities to fundraising events worldwide, people are making a difference in their community for different causes and are telling their stories. We found some motivational stories on different runners participating in fundraising events for a special cause and wanted to share some of these with you.
Running Distance:
Rob Pope is not your ordinary runner and does not back down from a challenge when it comes to distance. He is actually the first person to run across the United States four times in one year. Rob does not only run across the country but works as emergency veterinarian at night. He is participating in a cause that he believes and supports, which helps raise awareness and funds for Peace District and the World Wildlife Fund. Rob Pope continues to make a difference in the world and running has allowed him to make that possible. His dedication to help others and animals across the world is conducted by raising money for charities, and thus makes his story truly inspiring.
http://www.goingthedistancerun.com/
28 Runners:
In 2012, the New York City Marathon was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy but that did not stop runners from participating in the cancelled event. A group of 28 runners decided to keep their word and ran for the organization they worked so hard to support, Shoe4Africa. This is an organization that sends shoes to Kenyan Athletes that cannot afford them. Early that morning 28 runners started their run through Central Park but they were not the only runners that ran that day. Many others joined to honor their commitment and ran despite the cancelled marathon.
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/09/giving/beyond-competition-running-for-a-cause.html
80 is just a number:
There are plenty of ways to make an impact in your community and that is exactly what Eddie does. Eddie is in his late 80s but that is not keeping him from running. As a matter of a fact, he created his own age group category for running events called the 80 and over category. From a guy that does not even own a computer, he still manages to call friends and finds out which running event is next. The story of Eddie Lyons has inspired people from all ages to participate in running events.
http://runningdenver.com/why-you-run-stories/
Every Day, Every Run, Every Race:
Chris Arthey has made a major impact in the running community by doing what he loves but would face adversity with all odds against him. Chris’s story is one of a kind and offers optimism to others facing tough times. He was an avid marathon runner, completing nine marathons before a horrible car accident left him in a medically induced coma back in 2008. This left his wife, Denise with a decision to have her husband’s leg amputated. She also had to have her leg amputated due to the severe accident. Before the decision was made Chris’s wife Denise replied, “Take the leg away, and he will run another marathon.” After the surgery, Chris realized what happened and struggled to stay positive but this would be the start of his journey and miracle. Two days before he turned 62, Chris would overcome adversity once again by becoming the first over-the-knee amputee to finish the London Marathon. For the event, he would team up with the Leonard Cheshire Disability Charity. The story that Chris shares continues to inspire many people and gives hope to others dealing with obstacles in their life.
Running for his Existence:
Every runner has a story but Roger Wright’s story is an example of how one’s determination can be life changing. Roger weighed 112 kilograms and was struggling to live a healthy life. His tough and long journey started in 2008, when he received the bad news from the doctor. He was diagnosed with type two diabetes and two days later he received news from his sister in law that his niece was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. This was Roger’s turning point to make a change in his life and with the goal in mind, he set out a plan to one day run the Boston Marathon. For him losing weight was important but this was a way to raise money for his niece. Nine months after the start of his training, Roger lost 51 kilograms and ran the 2009 Boston Marathon without stopping once. This was only the start, every year after the race, Roger would make videos relating to a special cause. From the Berlin Marathon to the London Marathon, Roger has continued to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis and other important causes.
https://youtu.be/M2rTppIzsec- Video
No Time to Rest:
15 marathons in 15 days sounds like a ton of running but not to Lizzie Rosewell, a former army officer from Kedington. She does not back down from a challenge but actually thrives on these difficult tasks. That is exactly why she is running 15 marathons in 15 days and her journey starts at the London Marathon. What makes this even more challenging is that Lizzie will be running with all her equipment, which includes a sleeping bag and tent. The 15 marathons Lizzie is running is meant to raise cash for the Army Benevolent Fund. This may inspire more people to join a race or help raise money for a certain cause that people are passionate towards.
Running for a Social Cause:
The Mumbai Marathon attracts people that want to make a difference in the world. This marathon welcomes everyone and encourages people to spread their message that join the race. This year in 2018, more than 259 non Governmental organizations took part in this wonderful event to help give back to the community and spread awareness for numerous important causes. The numbers are amazing, more than 300 wheelchair participants took part in the event and showed their determination. This is only the start though, liver transplant patients, children with autism, and organ donors all participate in this event. One of the runners, Shibani Gulati is a kidney transplant survivor who wants to change the minds of others that doubt people who have had kidney transplants. For the people in this event, it demonstrates how people from all walks of life can do whatever they put their mind to.
These inspirational stories have impacted thousands of people in the running community. Every person’s story is unique and special, displaying true acts of kindness and commitment. The accomplishments and sacrifices that these individuals made to support an important cause has encouraged us to post their stories. Our goal is to to educate others about discovering their next challenge. Do not hesitate and make a difference today!
If you are inspired by these stories, and want to learn more about fundraising, here’s another Racemappr blog on the future of fundraising:
https://medium.com/@blog_58399/the-future-of-fundraising-fd7423407499
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Racemappr is an app that dedicates to connect the community around runners and racers. We help you discover your next challenge by finding local running, cycling, swimming, and triathlon events for you. A high percentage of the races in the world are for causes or have a fundraising purpose. That is why we wrote and shared this article to all of you, so that we can all be educated on the subject. The first version of the Racemappr app is live on IOS and Android. Click on the links below to download:
Playstore: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.stonewave.racemappr
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/racemappr-find-local-races/id1364375769?mt=8
