Something I wonder.
One of the biggest things that I cannot stress enough is supporting local communities. In running, this means running the local races and understanding that no matter the cost, the money stays local and benefits those around you. One of the best examples of this is a race I ran in 2013, the Party In Pink in Vinton, IA. I ran this race because it sounded like fun and I had a friend who lived there. Showing up to the race, during the announcements, they pointed out that all the proceeds were going to the breast cancer hospital in the town, pointing to the hospital right behind us. We literally ran next to this hospital. We knew where the money went.
Thats what makes me so mad about these gimmicky races that are going around. The Color Run, The Glow Run, The Inflatable 5k, you name it (sometimes local races will copy these races and have the race as a fundraiser for their organization or another organization). The director or creator of these races will take the race to different cites, run the race, take your money and put it in their pocket, and onto the next city they go. I understand that these races have the "fun" aspect, but when you sign up for a race, dont you want it to benefit anyone? Back to my example. The Party in Pink helps benefit people dealing with breast cancer who cannot afford their treatments and the hospital to get more tools to help these people.
These races are getting sneakier now, which really pushes my buttons. In Cedar Rapids this year, there is a new race that has been introduced, The Turkey Trot. "Well arent most turkey trots a local charity race?" Not this one. This director is charging upwards of 50$ for participants to run a 5k, then takes the money and on to the next city. Many people either dont realize that this is going on or they just dont care. To me, this doesnt make any sense. Thanksgiving is a time for giving. Wouldnt you feel more inclined to give back and do a local turkey trot compared to an expensive, non local race? Especially when there are so many on thanksgiving, I mean hell, look at my calendar! There are a handful on thanksgiving, and plenty more "turkey trots" on other weekends in November. In Cedar Rapids, there is the Return of the Turkey Trot in Marion, which is just a smaller, connected city. This race takes their proceeds and donates them to the local food pantry. You also dont have to pay 50$ even if you sign up on race day.
So I ask, why? Why do people not care about these races that benefit no one but the organizer's own wallet? Doesnt doing a race that benefits someone make you want to do a race more or is the "fun" aspect? I just dont understand and would like to know.
Thats what makes me so mad about these gimmicky races that are going around. The Color Run, The Glow Run, The Inflatable 5k, you name it (sometimes local races will copy these races and have the race as a fundraiser for their organization or another organization). The director or creator of these races will take the race to different cites, run the race, take your money and put it in their pocket, and onto the next city they go. I understand that these races have the "fun" aspect, but when you sign up for a race, dont you want it to benefit anyone? Back to my example. The Party in Pink helps benefit people dealing with breast cancer who cannot afford their treatments and the hospital to get more tools to help these people.
These races are getting sneakier now, which really pushes my buttons. In Cedar Rapids this year, there is a new race that has been introduced, The Turkey Trot. "Well arent most turkey trots a local charity race?" Not this one. This director is charging upwards of 50$ for participants to run a 5k, then takes the money and on to the next city. Many people either dont realize that this is going on or they just dont care. To me, this doesnt make any sense. Thanksgiving is a time for giving. Wouldnt you feel more inclined to give back and do a local turkey trot compared to an expensive, non local race? Especially when there are so many on thanksgiving, I mean hell, look at my calendar! There are a handful on thanksgiving, and plenty more "turkey trots" on other weekends in November. In Cedar Rapids, there is the Return of the Turkey Trot in Marion, which is just a smaller, connected city. This race takes their proceeds and donates them to the local food pantry. You also dont have to pay 50$ even if you sign up on race day.
So I ask, why? Why do people not care about these races that benefit no one but the organizer's own wallet? Doesnt doing a race that benefits someone make you want to do a race more or is the "fun" aspect? I just dont understand and would like to know.
Comments
Post a Comment