Chariots of fire: running for change

In the lead up to The Great North Run, Heather Moorhouse gives her thoughts on charity runs.

''I was inspired by all the women around me - entire families and groups of friends, young and old alike - all there to run for a valuable cause.'' ''There are hundreds of charity runs that occur every year throughout the country, and every year more and more people are getting involved.'' Race for Life: a 5km run in aid of cancer Research UK

Like thousands of others this year, and millions before me, I will be taking on the 20.8km Great North Run - the worlds biggest half marathon - in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Care. I am no runner or athlete in any shape or form. My idea of a good work-out consists of a good few hours shopping, or lifting a big glass of wine to and from my lips!

Inevitably, you may now be asking why? And believe me, when running in the pouring rain, out of breath, and freezing cold, I ask myself the very same question. But if I am honest, I think the main reason I am putting myself through this is to gain a sense of pride and achievement in myself. I know many people out there will be able to complete the run with their eyes closed, but for me it will be my biggest mental and physical challenge to date.

Last year I took part in the Race for Life, a 5km women’s-only run, which takes place throughout the country in aid of Cancer Research UK. I remember feeling a little nervous before the run, having undertaken little training, but I was inspired by all the women around me - entire families and groups of friends, young and old alike - all there to run for a valuable cause. I, and four of my friends, genuinely had a great time, taking in the atmosphere and motivating one another around the track by singing Chariots of Fire. I was so proud of us - we completed the track with not so much as a blister, and raised quite a few bob in sponsorship.

But what I remember most was the bittersweet feeling I had at the end of the day. All those hundreds of women who took part in the race had been touched by the dreadful illness that cancer is. Was running those few km really worth it? Were the few pennies we had got from pleading with our families and friends really going to make any difference?

Talking it through with my friends, we came to the conclusion that yes it really does matter. The racers were all there to do something positive for a charity they believed in. We had had a great day and we raised money for a worthwhile cause. How could there be anything bad in that?

There are hundreds of charity runs that occur every year throughout the country, and every year more and more people are getting involved. I believe this is because it really isn’t the winning, but the taking part that counts. For me, being part of a run is not only a motivational tool to help me get fit, but also an experience that is challenging, fun, exhilarating, and rewarding because it helps make a difference.

Whatever your reason may be, the gratefulness and appreciation of charities such as Oxfam, who receive the money you raise, is undeniable, however big or small the amount may be.

So, get together with your friends, put your trainers and sweat-bands on, and get raising those pennies ton do something challenging and worthwhile today.