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Jun 20, 2013
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Bulletin Boards -> Anything Else -> Charity Running Programs - What Do You Think

Message Category: Anything Else
Topic: Charity Running Programs - What Do You Think
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 		Good For Them
Alan
11/16/05 8:05:57 AM ET

I started running marathons for Team In Training earlier this year. I have completed 6 this year, half for TNT (the majority sub-4 hours). Personally I would not feel comfortable taking a finisher's medal if I did not complete the whole course. However, I have no problem with what other people do. The main goal of a charity runner is not to run well, get a good time or even finish the entire race. The main goal is to raise money to help other people less fortunate than themselves. Most charity runners have a family member or friend who has died, or is currently suffering, from a catastrophic illness such as cancer. Most charity runners will only run one marathon and they realize the pain and the suffering they will experience in the race will be nowhere near as bad as the pain and suffering experienced by person they are running in memory or in honor of. Charity runners donate a significant portion of their lives to preparing for the race. Not only do they have to train but the fundraising, in most cases, is more difficult and time consuming. It takes considerable effort to build a fundraising campaign, which includes letter writing, phone calls, orgainizing car washes, group garage sales and a whole bunch of other things. So, to charity runners I say good for you - you are the real heroes in the race whether you complete it or not. As far as training provided by TNT, there has never been any coaching that promotes "cheating". In fact it is the opposite. If the coach does not expect you to finish within the time period, the coach will encourage you not to run. You are also coached in race etiquette - let faster runners by, don't clog the water stops, etc. It has been my experience that the problems are usually caused by non-charity runners. So, to all the complainers on this bulletin board I would like to invite you to sign up to do one marathon for a charity, and experience how diificult it is to raise money. You could help the novice runners complete their events, and you will experience the wonderful feeling of doing something very significant not just for yourself but also for the people that need your help. By the way, it has been pointed out to me that all these problems would go away if more marathons provided an early start for the slower runners.

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