When I think about how much money I spend on running and there are people who have very little or are too sick to run, I feel guilty or even greedy.

Maybe it’s because when I work in NYC, I see so many homeless people on the street (esp. in the winter!).

But rather than buy another running outfit, shouldn’t I give that money to someone less fortunate or contribute that money to a charity??

Maybe I am the only one who feels this way but if I am not, here’s my FIVE suggestions on how you can give back to running:

1. Donate your extra running clothes or shoes.

Check out your local store store, gym or running club to find out where you can do this.

2. Volunteer at a race rather than run in it.

These races cannot happen without volunteers.  We often take that for granted.

I bet he doesn’t want to be doing this in freezing temps.

3. When you register for a race, donate extra money to the charity it supports.

I know that races are expensive enough and we don’t feel like adding more money to the fee. So register for one less race and donate that money to a charity.

Buy one less running outfit or pair of shoes and donate to runners in need.

This is a great cause – http://stemrunning.com  

Or raise money for a charity in order to run a race that you didn’t qualify for or didn’t get into the lottery for.

just one of the many charities for NYRR races

Everyone of us was once a beginning runner.  I am also aware of the fact that some of us have coaches and want to get faster.  So just find a time in your schedule when you are not training for an important race and help someone else.

GOTR is one of the many opportunities out there. 

STEM is a group of runners that I coach/mentor

our June 5k offers mentoring opportunities

5. Help someone who cannot run for themselves.

Organizations like Team Hoyt and Ainsley’s Angels provide the opportunity for runners to pair with an rider and work together to cross the finish line.