10 great reasons to run an organised race

Ever thought about taking part in an organised running race? Like the sound of it, but not sure if it’s for you?

Then read on!

After taking part in my first ever organised running event – the Great South Run – I’ve discovered there are so many great reasons to take part in an organised race. Although I’ve been running for years I always thought taking part in an organised run wasn’t for me, mainly because I like running alone and when it comes to sport I’m not what you might call a team player.

But after completing the 10-mile Great South Run it turns out I was wrong. Here’s why.

1. It won’t feel like you’re running the distance you’re running. The race might be a set number of miles or kilometres, but it won’t feel like that on the day because of the crowds cheering you on. Think brass bands, cheerleaders, rock choirs and car horns.

2. You can legitimately eat sweets. Like jelly babies, which people hand out for free. Enough said.

3. Taking part could change someone’s life. If you run for charity, raising money could literally change someone’s life. And the more money you raise, the bigger the difference you could make. The same goes for other fundraising ideas like supporting initiatives and causes close to your heart.

4. You can wear fancy dress. So, if you fancy donning tights or a tutu and channeling your inner superhero, this is the place to do it.

5. It’s good for you. Whether you’re walking, jogging, sprinting or a bit of all three, the training involved will get you up off the sofa, out of the house and breathing in fresh air.

6. The whole family can get involved. You might be the one running the race, but the event will be a day out the whole family can enjoy. Here’s the oldest cheering me on at the Great South Run – her favourite activity on the sidelines was push bike-powered smoothie making.

7. Your family will make a fuss of you. If you’re lucky, they might even make you a banner.

8. Age is no barrier. Whether you’re five, fifteen, twenty-five or fifty, there’ll be an event out there for you. The Great Run series, of which the Great South Run is one event, includes everything from mini runs to 5k, 10k and longer distances. There’s even a canine run so you can take the dog.

9. It might spur you on to do greater things. Once you’ve taken part in one event, the chances are you’ll want to do it again. I’ve always thought I couldn’t possibly do a marathon – 26.2 miles! – but after taking part in the Great South Run I reckon, with the right training, I might be able to manage it. Watch this space!

10. You’ll get a medal. And it doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s nothing quite like being given a medal.

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One hour, thirty nine minutes & twenty seven seconds. That’s how long it took me to complete the #greatsouthrun today as part of team @simplyhealthuk ‍♀️‍♀️‍♀️ Quite pleased with achieving (just) under 10 minute miles considering it was hot hot hot ☀️☀️☀️ Luckily Team Simplyhealth had prosecco on ice at the other end so all’s well that ends well #mumwin #run #runner #running #mumswhorun #MyEveryStep #health #wellness #wellbeing #sunday #weekend @diabetesuk @jdrf_uk @t1international #myhappycapture #capturingtheday

A post shared by Crummy Mummy (@confessionsofacrummymummy) on Oct 21, 2018 at 9:22am PDT