# What is the point of running for charity? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 25, 2015, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447 "2015-06-25T16:29:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/1 "2015-06-25T16:29:52Z")
First off, I want to open by saying that I admire charity fundraising as a selfless thing to raise money and awareness for those less fortunate than themselves. Kudos to everyone who does these things. But, as someone who dislikes exercise in general, I think the exercise I least of all ‘get’ is running. So that’s why it’s the topic of this thread, but it could be a broader ‘why do we want people to do something before we give them money’ kind of thing. As the spouse of someone who loves running it truly is something alien to me. And she does these charity 10k runs regularly. She enjoys them, evidently, and there’s tons of people all around cheering runners on and saying ‘well done’. Well done? What for? They put one foot in front of another in rapid succession for a mandated measure of space. Some did it quicker than others. That’s about it. I dunno, it’s just not something I can see as ‘an achievement’. Yes, I know it’s healthy. I’m sure these people get a personal buzz from it. And I’m sure it means they get out of the house and explore new parts of their town. All fair reasons. I guess, as a spectator, I just can’t get into the feeling that it’s something worth remarking about as something to appreciate. I mean, I’ve done charity fundraisers myself, actually. Last year I did a 26-mile hike across Hadrian’s Wall over ten hours. Utterly shattered. At the end, I was given a medal and people telling me I must be so proud. I couldn’t have been more miserable actually, and just wanted to sit down and not do anything for a long, long time. I didn’t feel like an achiever. I felt awful. My walking hadn’t achieved anything, and here I was, a pile of agony. I dunno what type of answer I’m expecting, or even what type of question I’m trying to ask, really, but while I appreciate people tend not to want to give something for nothing even when it comes to charity, why is it _running_ or walking that is the go-to? And why does it work in making people give money? Most aren’t even _present_ when the fundraiser does the run. What matters it to them if the runner ended up, on the day, staying at home watching TV, but then sent the raised money to the charity regardless? I guess it’s the absence of a produce ‘good’ at the end of the process that I can’t grasp. There must be better, more interesting, more _material_ means of fundraising. Am I making sense as to what’s going through my mind? ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/2 "2015-06-25T16:57:41Z")
I agree. If I want to donate to a charity, I’d give them money or services. No need for someone to put on a show, whether running or some other activity. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/3 "2015-06-25T16:58:31Z")
Runners are going to run so why not have some of the entry fees go to something? The vast majority of races I’ve run benefited _somebody_. That’s usually the whole reason to put on the event. The big change are the huge (and multiple) events for a single charity (breast cancer, heart disease and so on). ---
**Author:** ![Sir\_T-Cups](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed655f/32.png) [@Sir\_T-Cups](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sir_T-Cups)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/4 "2015-06-25T16:59:25Z")
> [@Malden\_Capell](#): > > First off, I want to open by saying that I admire charity fundraising as a selfless thing to raise money and awareness for those less fortunate than themselves. Kudos to everyone who does these things. > > But, as someone who dislikes exercise in general, I think the exercise I least of all ‘get’ is running. So that’s why it’s the topic of this thread, but it could be a broader ‘why do we want people to do something before we give them money’ kind of thing. > > As the spouse of someone who loves running it truly is something alien to me. And she does these charity 10k runs regularly. She enjoys them, evidently, and there’s tons of people all around cheering runners on and saying ‘well done’. > > Well done? What for? They put one foot in front of another in rapid succession for a mandated measure of space. Some did it quicker than others. That’s about it. > > I dunno, it’s just not something I can see as ‘an achievement’. > > Yes, I know it’s healthy. I’m sure these people get a personal buzz from it. And I’m sure it means they get out of the house and explore new parts of their town. All fair reasons. > > I guess, as a spectator, I just can’t get into the feeling that it’s something worth remarking about as something to appreciate. > > I mean, I’ve done charity fundraisers myself, actually. Last year I did a 26-mile hike across Hadrian’s Wall over ten hours. Utterly shattered. At the end, I was given a medal and people telling me I must be so proud. I couldn’t have been more miserable actually, and just wanted to sit down and not do anything for a long, long time. I didn’t feel like an achiever. I felt awful. My walking hadn’t achieved anything, and here I was, a pile of agony. > > I dunno what type of answer I’m expecting, or even what type of question I’m trying to ask, really, but while I appreciate people tend not to want to give something for nothing even when it comes to charity, why is it _running_ or walking that is the go-to? And why does it work in making people give money? Most aren’t even _present_ when the fundraiser does the run. What matters it to them if the runner ended up, on the day, staying at home watching TV, but then sent the raised money to the charity regardless? > > I guess it’s the absence of a produce ‘good’ at the end of the process that I can’t grasp. There must be better, more interesting, more _material_ means of fundraising. > > Am I making sense as to what’s going through my mind? Simplicity really. Of all the things to organize for a charity, if you want money to be the primary donation, run/walks are super easy to put on. All you need is a place to run it and that’s really about it. Most of these charities are lacking in money to purchase things like venues, speakers, entertainment etc. But if you can just find a running path, or a high school track, you can reasonably put on a run/walk without that much effort. On the other side…runners are insane! You give them any excuse to run and they’ll be all over that like shit on rice! ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/5 "2015-06-25T17:02:49Z")
I think you meant “like \*white \*on rice.” ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/6 "2015-06-25T17:05:47Z")
> [@MLS](#): > > I think you meant “like \*white \*on rice.” Like _sweat_ on rice. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/7 "2015-06-25T17:13:40Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Like _sweat_ on rice. Like ice on knees. ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/8 "2015-06-25T17:15:33Z")
At least it makes more sense than [dumping a bucket of ice water over your head](http://www.alsa.org/news/archive/impact-of-ice-bucket-challenge.html), which generated $220 million in donations to the ALS Association. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/9 "2015-06-25T17:18:39Z")
> [@SpoilerVirgin](#): > > At least it makes more sense than [dumping a bucket of ice water over your head](http://www.alsa.org/news/archive/impact-of-ice-bucket-challenge.html), which generated $220 million in donations to the ALS Association. It does have the advantage of little or no traveling and it only takes a few seconds to complete. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/21906_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/10 "2015-06-25T17:51:11Z")
Eons ago when I was a teen, I participated in two Walk-a-Thons for Muscular Dystrophy - each was 25 miles through Baltimore. You got people to pledge a certain amount per mile. Along the route, there were checkpoints where you got you pledge sheet stamped to prove you’d made it that far. You could also quit at those points and you’d be taken back to the start/finish line. At the end, you got a button that said “I did it!” Then you had to go back to the people who pledged and collect. It was exhausting, my blisters made me 2" taller, :eek: and the motivation to complete the walk was that you’d raise more money. Not too long ago, I was approached by someone doing a 10K walk/run, but rather than pledging a certain amount per Km completed, you just gave your donation right up front. In that case, what was the point of the walk/run, other than a social activity? And a wussy 10K?? Lemme tell you about taking 8 hours to walk 25 miles!!! 😛 Now get off my lawn!! ---
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/11 "2015-06-25T18:37:05Z")
What’s to stop people, then, sponsoring me to continue breathing? Or to read a book? What is it that makes running appeal and be legitimate? ---
**Author:** ![HeXen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/c89c15/32.png) [@HeXen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeXen)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/12 "2015-06-25T18:39:55Z")
It’s just a show to make others feel good and for their friends…etc to feel good. It’s a feely good thing or often used to make them look good as well. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/13 "2015-06-25T18:47:51Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Runners are going to run so why not have some of the entry fees go to something? … They don’t generally (when left to their own devices) run in groups of thousands that disrupt my commute to work. ---
**Author:** ![SpoilerVirgin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4491bb/32.png) [@SpoilerVirgin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoilerVirgin)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/14 "2015-06-25T18:47:59Z")
> [@Malden\_Capell](#): > > What’s to stop people, then, sponsoring me to continue breathing? Or to read a book? What is it that makes running appeal and be legitimate? Running works because it requires more effort than breathing, and is a more communal activity than reading. Although you can certainly [read](http://www.readathon.org/how-readathon-works/) for [charity](http://24hourreadathon.com/2011/04/06/reading-for-charity/) if that’s what you prefer. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/15 "2015-06-25T18:48:11Z")
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has a program called Team In Training, which involves a run, of course, but it also offers coaching and training to be able to complete the run. So you’re fundraising at the same time that you’re doing an exercise program. It seems a clever approach. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/16 "2015-06-25T18:59:14Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > They don’t generally (when left to their own devices) run in groups of thousands that disrupt my commute to work. Sorry. I meant running races. ---
**Author:** ![yellowjacketcoder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4bbf92/32.png) [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/17 "2015-06-25T19:02:44Z")
I think the idea is more that people are less likely to donate “just because”, but if you’re doing something to “earn” the money, they will sponsor you. “Hey Bob, I’m collecting money for armless, legless orphans from Kyrgyzstan, wanna throw in $20?” “ehhhh, I dunno” vs. “Hey Bob, I’m running for ALOFK, would you be willing to do $1 a mile sponsorship” “Well, I guess” ---
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/18 "2015-06-25T19:10:30Z")
> [@SpoilerVirgin](#): > > Running works because it requires more effort than breathing, and is a more communal activity than reading. Is it? From what I’ve seen, sure, they may be talking to some of the people around them at the _start_ of a race, but normally they are focussed on running to beat their personal best. Seems pretty solitary to me. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/19 "2015-06-25T19:12:18Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > Sorry. I meant running races. I got that. I mean these races get thousands of people and the routes are put on the streets. Whether they’re actually _races_ as opposed to “charity runs” hardly makes a difference. ---
**Author:** ![yellowjacketcoder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/4bbf92/32.png) [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2015, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447/20 "2015-06-25T19:34:23Z")
> [@Malden\_Capell](#): > > Is it? From what I’ve seen, sure, they may be talking to some of the people around them at the _start_ of a race, but normally they are focussed on running to beat their personal best. Seems pretty solitary to me. I dunno, while I usually run alone in the evening that’s because I don’t live close to any other running buddies. If I’m doing a run with someone it’s nice to have someone to chat with. Sure, if you’re going for personal best it’s solitary, but I think most charity runs are not “OMG I shaved a third of a second off my 5K time YEAH!” events. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-running-for-charity/723447.md?page=2)