5 Spring Races That Support a Good Cause

There are many wonderful things about running and the running community. Some of us find our best friends and significant others through running, while others get plugged into an extensive network of entrepreneurs and go-getters who help us find our next job or line of work. Running can also help us discover those non-profit and charitable organizations that are doing a lot of good in our world and giving back to society, Mother Earth, and those let fortunate.

There are a ton of races that are sponsored by and/or benefit charities. And running for charity can be a great motivational tool if you are looking for something to inspire you to get up and out running and training.  Race registrations can be one of the less-fun aspects of running, but you can definitely feel better about giving your money to a race in which the proceeds  go directly to the charity the race supports.  If you are lookin for one of those races, keep reading!

Cupid’s Chase 5k

Where: Various Locations
When: Saturday, February 10, 2018

The Cupid’s Chase 5k is currently held in more than 30 cities around the U.S., and is hosted by Community Options, Inc., a national organization that benefits and supports people of all ages and genders with disabilities. Community Options, Inc. exists to promote the equalization of people with disabilities into all facets of life – from the workplace, to the public sector, and within individual families and homes. The race is a “fun run” style in which participants are encouraged to walk, run, and bring family members and pets ,so long as they dress up in festive pink and red attire and share in the goodwill of raising money for a cause! A bonus to this race is that, because it’s held so widespread, chances are you can find a location near you putting it on!

Race for Women’s Wellness Half Marathon & 5k Run

Where: Coral Springs, Florida
When: Saturday, March 24, 2018

The annual Race for Women’s Wellness is hosted each year by the Lisa Boccard Breast Cancer Fund located at Broward Health Coral Springs. The Lisa Broccard Breast Cancer Fund provides mammograms to women in the surrounding communities of Coral Springs who cannot financially afford them. The fund has successfully helped find breast cancer in thousands of Coral Springs women who would not have otherwise been checked for breast cancer, so that they could seek treatment. Proceeds from race registration benefit both the Lisa Broccard Breast Cancer Fund and Broward Health Coral Springs.

Boomer’s Cystic Fibrosis Run to Breathe 4 Miler

Where: New York City, New York
When: Sunday, April 8, 2018

If you are looking for an excuse to get to New York City this spring while benefitting a great cause, look no further than the Run To Breathe 4 Mile run through Central Park! This run is named after famed NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason who started the race as a way to raise money to help in the fight against Cystic Fibrosis after his young son, Gunnar, was diagnosed with the disease.  One dollar for every race entry fee goes to the Boomer Esiason Foundation to further Cystic Fibrosis research.  Along with a wonderful day for all the runners to enjoy being together in beautiful Central Park, Boomer’s hope is that the race will help educate the public more on Cystic Fibrosis, and to encourage those individuals living with the disease to get out and continue incorporating exercise into their daily lives.

Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure

Where: Various Locations
When: Various Dates

Chances are you’ve heard of this one. Susan G. Komen Centers for Breast Cancer Research are all around the world, and so are these 5k races! Individual cities host their own 5k walk/run Susan G. Komen races all year long. In fact, there are currently over 140 local races, making this 5k the most successful fundraising run in the world. Much like the Cupid Chase, participants are encouraged to dress up in pink and show their support for breast cancer research and awareness. And participants can form fundraising teams to help benefit the foundation. This is always a “fun run” so many runners like to bring along their kids and pets. Different hosting cities have different rules, but for the most part, you will find babies in strollers, puppies on leashes, and generations of strong women running together to fight back against breast cancer. Check out their website for more information, and to see if there is a Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure in a city or town near you!

The Chicago Spring Half Marathon & 10K

Where: Chicago. Illinois
When: Sunday, May 20, 2018

Each year, the Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10K teams up with a charity to give back to the community. This year’s Official Charity Partner is the Muscular Dystrophy Association, which works to provide those suffering from MDA the freedom to fight this life-threatening illness and help them to cope and manage it while they get stronger. Participants of the Spring Half and 10K race in Chicago are asked upon registration to consider making a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. You can also choose to join the MDA Team (MDA Team Momentum), in which you personally fundrais on behalf of MDA and dedicate your race miles to those suffering with the illness. Joining the team gets you official team gear to wear, a personal fundraising page, and the support of a team coach and other team members through it all. The Chicago Spring Half Marathon and 10k is a great way to see the Windy City, as you run by Lake Michigan along the water, through the city, and alongside thousands of spectators. And there’s always a delicious hot breakfast to welcome you across the finish line!