Run For Relief

This month I'm participating in the Give Thanks Challenge, hosted by Abby at Back at Square Zero.  Today I'm thankful for:

The Generosity of Runners

Despite the cancellation of the NYC Marathon (which, IMHO, was the right thing to do), hundreds of runners still donated their time, resources, and sweat to help with relief efforts on Staten Island.  I was so heartened to see this picture of runners clad in orange ready to offer assistance to the victims of Hurricane Sandy:

via Runner's World

These would-be marathoners were inspiring in a less-conventional way: rather than crossing a finish line, they carried heavy packs and ran the hills of Staten Island (some getting lost along the way!) to deliver their contribution of supplies to those in need.  

Seeing these inspiring runners use our sport to help those in need made me want to do something too. We've already donated money through the Red Cross, but I wanted to do something as a runner.

Thankfully (haha, pun intended! This is a #givethanks post after all!), Crazy Running Girl is hosting a virtual race to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. Head over to her blog for the details, but the gist is this (as I exercise my amazing cut&paste skills):

How to participate

1. Run a race of any distance the month of November. There are TONS of fun holiday races this time of year so grab a friend (or two!) and sign up.
2. Register for the Virtual Race for Hurricane Sandy here.
3. Pledge your donation (a minimum donation of $10 requested) here. ALL PROCEEDS will be donated to the Red Cross.  [NOTE from 'Ama: Crowdrise applies a 10% Optional Processing Fee to your donation.  To opt out, click on the Optional Processing Fee link, and select 0%]
4. Tell all of your friends that you are participating and invite them to join us, too.
5. Run your race and tell us how you did! Make sure to send us pictures.

I just signed up and made my donation.  I'll be running the Richmond Marathon for Hurricane Sandy Recovery.

If you've for a race coming up in November, or even if you just plan to run sometime in November, consider signing up for this virtual race and donating a few dollars to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy.


What are you thankful for today?  Share it below or on Twitter!  Don't forget to tag @backatsquare0 and @ama_runs, and use the hashtag #givethanks!

RAR!