Each year, it seems as though there are more races that crop up, giving runners the opportunity to participate in a spot which they enjoy, continue training, and even raise funds or awareness for a cause which is important to them.
For those looking for a way to fundraise, races are a great option.
They are fairly straight forward in their planning and many communities have resources personnel who are able to guide a first-time planner through the necessary steps of running a race.
Two of the most critical pieces on the "to do" list for planning races are the acquisition of proper permits and advertising the race.
With a little organization, groups can plan and hold a successful race, raise money and awareness of the cause which you are supporting and do so without needing to be taken away with a large hook or butterfly net after the race.
An event for Lung Cancer Awareness in the Denver area, "The Gift of Life and Breath," began when a prominent member of the community learned that he had lung cancer.
Having never smoked and having never been around second hand smokers, this man wanted to raise awareness of the dangers of lung cancer, especially in people who are not in the typical profiling of lung cancer sufferers.
With the help from family and friends, a fund raising race was organized and held in a state park.
The race was extremely successful, with volunteers standing by to help wherever needed.
Money raised was given to increase early detection of lung cancer and to raise awareness of lung cancer.
This simple race went from being a small event to being a large race throughout several years.
Participants were numbered in the hundreds initially and now are well over a thousand annually.
While the original organizer lost his battle with cancer, many run in his memory as well as to remember those who have passed on as victims to this disease.
Race organizers can reach potential participants through resources int heir community (an announcement in ton the city website), through mentions in the newspaper or on television as well as via word of mouth and social media mentions.
Having a dedicated website is often a good place to direct people to learn more about your race and your cause as well as a place to register.
One race organizer reports trying to keep her race website relevant throughout the year and retain visitors by adding fitness and health resources (such as online fitness links - a coach or journal), relevant news about the cause, etc.
so that her participants remain connected year-round and the event grows.