Do it for charity: walk, run, swim, cycle

Focus on a goal and get fit while supporting a great cause with these sporting events in aid of charity

  Meet some of the celebrities taking part in Race for Life 2009Signing up to take part in a charity challenge can boost your motivation to exercise, according to a new poll by marketing agency YouGov. So what are you waiting for?...

 

 

WALKING

Meningitis trust 'Walk in the Park' month, September 2009

Nationwide

Walk in the Park is an annual series of walks that takes place all over the UK, every September. From Belfast to Suffolk, people will be donning their boots for a stroll out in the park to raise funds for the Trust. The sponsored walks are suitable for all ages and abilities - so why not join the fun and get walking for charity! For more information call 0845 120 4530 or visit www.meningitis-trust.org

 

RUNNING

 

Race for Life, June and July

Nationwide

Why not take part in one of this year's 230+ Race for Life events? Taking place near you throughout June and July, you can walk, jog or run  in a 5km event, as part in the UK's largest women-only fundraising event to help beat cancer. Click here to find out more.

 

To highlight the fact that any woman can take part in the Race for Life series, whatever their age, shape, size and fitness level, an unlikely cast of famous women recreated an iconic film poster to launch Cancer Research UK's Race for Life 2009 series - see top of page.
 
The five women are, from left to right: comedienne Amy Lamé, ‘Green Goddess' and breast and skin cancer survivor Diana Moran, Ruth Lorenzo from X Factor, actress Laila Morse, actress Lynda Bellingham and Casualty actress and breast cancer patient Rebekah Gibb. The infamous police line-up image is from ‘The Usual Suspects' poster.
 
All the women who took part in the live ad have their own connection to cancer, with the group including survivors of the disease and those with close relatives who have been affected by cancer.
 
As part of the ‘If I can do it...' campaign, the charity has also set up a website where participants can learn more about the ambassadors and get hints and tips to prepare a Race for Life, which includes advice from Diana Moran and a regular training blog from Amy Lamé. To sign up for a Race for Life event and for more information on the ‘If I can do it...' campaign, go to www.raceforlife.org/ifICanDoit .
 

 

The Adidas Women's 5k Challenge, September 6 2009

London

Be part one of the biggest women-only fun runs in London, with Breakthrough Breast Cancer as the preferred charity to raise funds for. It's open to all ages and abilities, with friends and family groups aged 7 to 70 coming together for a great day out! For details, visit www.womenschallenge.co.uk/home

 

 

Run 10K for Cancer Research UK, September and October

Nationwide

Friends, family and work colleagues of all fitness levels and running abilities are invited to register now, dust off their running shoes and take up the challenge to Run10k this autumn. 
 
This year there are 43 Run 10k events throughout England, Scotland and Wales  Cancer Research UK hopes that 60,000 men and women will come together and raise over £6million for the charity whose work has saved millions of lives in the UK and across the world.
 
The series is open to men and women over the age of 16 and is suitable for both beginners and regular runners. To step up to the challenge of taking part in a Run 10k, visit www.run10k.org  and enter today.
 

 

Royal Parks Half Marathon, October 11

London

The route runs through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St James's Park. Places are available to run for charities including Asthma UK, The Blue Cross, Help a London Child and Unicef. For more dinformation visit www.royalparkshalf.com

 

You'll find invaluable training advice on our sister site www.runnersworld.co.uk

 

CYCLING

London to Paris cycle ride, July - September 2009

London/Paris

Witness breathtaking scenery in the London to Paris four-day cycling challenge. If you think you can cycle 320km over one long weekend, riding from the bustle of London on through beautiful French countryside, finishing with a grand celebration under the Eiffel Tower. For details, visit www.charitychallenge.co.uk

 

The Chaucer Challenge, September 13

London/Kent: Greenwich to Canterbury

Cycling clubs and cycling enthusiasts are being urged to join up to a special charity challenge to help raise money for children with severe disabilities. The ‘Chaucer Challenge', a cycle ride from Greenwich to Canterbury, is set to take place on Sunday September 13, in aid of The Children's Trust.

The exciting and exhilarating cycle ride, with a choice of a 60-mile or 80-mile route, will appeal to experienced road cyclists. With easy-to-follow signs, and plenty of support on the route, including free refreshments and help from cycle mechanics, this should ensure a great day's cycling. Entry is £25 per cyclist, or £110 for a team of five.

To join in, or to find out more about other cycling events - call 01737 364329, or email events@thechildrenstrust.org.uk or visit www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/sports.