Making a Difference... One Step at a Time
Summer Walking Events Benefit Local Worthy Causes, Personal Health
One of my fondest Junior High School memories was a 20-mile walk along the streets of Akron to support a good cause. It was challenging. It was interesting. We pounded the pavement through previously-unexplored urban areas and commercial districts and past well-manicured lawns (I almost wonder if that was the start of my traveling wanderlust that even today causes me to walk from Little Italy to Central Park when I'm in New York). I felt pride and a sense of accomplishment, even while my feet developed blisters, because I had sponsors behind me and pledged money in an envelope. It was also a lot of fun -- we were all in it together and we made it a good time.
We pounded the pavement through previously-unexplored urban areas and commercial districts and past well-manicured lawns (I almost wonder if that was the start of my traveling wanderlust that even today causes me to walk from Little Italy to Central Park when I’m in New York). I felt pride and a sense of accomplishment, even while my feet developed blisters, because I had sponsors behind me and pledged money in an envelope. It was also a lot of fun—we were all in it together and we made it a good time.
Later, during high school years in Lorain, I walked for Muscular Dystrophy. As an adult, a Zoo walk for Cystic Fibrosis was memorable because it was for a good cause. I’ve witnessed the crowds who walk or run for the Earth on Earth Day or to fight breast cancer during the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The walkers and runners make a difference, one step at a time. And these aren’t people who go to the gym every day and run on the treadmill or train on the streets like marathon runners—they’re toddlers in strollers pushed by busy parents, soccer moms who could lose a few pounds, middle-aged men with beer bellies, and senior citizens clipping along at a jogger’s pace in their running shoes.
People of all ages and socioeconomic strata feel a sense of accomplishment and community by participating in walks and runs for good causes.
So every time I see flyers for 5K Runs and Family Walks spread out on the desk at Fitworks, I want to do my part. That being the case, I surfed for good causes in Greater Cleveland this walk-run season. The list is not comprehensive but I hope some of you will be inspired to participate in an event or two to build the coffers of the nonprofits that have been financially hard hit. More information on these races can be found through linking to the websites, and in most cases, advance online registration is preferred.
On Saturday, June 27 2009, area hospitals (Fairview, Lakewood, and Lutheran) are organizing Run for the Young, at Crocker Park, with registration starting at 7:30AM and the 5K and 3K runs starting at 9AM. A one-mile kid’s run begins at 10:15AM. Hermes Sports & Events is promoting the race (Click here for details). This event promotes children’s health and recognizes that one in three children in the US is overweight.
That same day, the Cleveland Affiliate of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is staging PurpleStride Cleveland 2009. The event includes a 5K run and 2-mile walk with event-day registration opening at 7:45AM, and the races beginning at 9:00 a.m. Runners and walkers alike can enjoy refreshments, a live DJ, and kids' zone and enter the 50/50 and pick-a-prize raffles. http://Pancan.Kintera.org.
A Most Excellent Race Run/Walk supports the Achievement Centers for Children, and takes place on Sunday, June 28, 2009, on the grounds of Beaumont School in Cleveland Heights, starting at 8:30AM. Details : http://www.HermesCleveland.com/RoadRacing.
Bay Village gets people moving on Saturday, July 4, 2009, with the Bay Days 5 Mile Run/Walk sponsored by Cleveland West Roadrunners Club. Choose the 5-mile run or 1-mile fun run. The Cleveland West Road Runners Club is currently in its 32nd year and accommodates all levels of running. Find them at http://www.CWRRC.org.
Saturday, August 8, 2009, brings the 2009 Glenville Heath & Wellness 5K to the inner city to support Famicos Foundation, one of the oldest community development corporations in Cleveland and which improves the lives of people in the Hough and Glenville areas. http://www.Famicos.org.
Saturday, August 15, 2009, Cleveland Start! Heart Walk takes off from Mall C downtown. This American Heart Association event promotes walking as the best exercise, as does their website http://www.AmericanHeart.org.
Saturday, September 12, 2009, is the date for this year’s 16th Annual Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio Race for the Cure. It’s happening on Malls B and C in downtown Cleveland, and online registration is strongly encouraged (you can do so here). The day begins at 8:00AM with a celebration of breast cancer survivors, and kids activities are part of the festivities.
On Sunday, September 13, the 10th Annual Cleveland Clinic Sports Health River run takes place at Wallace Lake in Berea. The race winds through the Cleveland Metroparks and benefits the Center for Diabetes Research at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute. Find details here.
Finally, on Sunday, October 4, 2009, Fairview Hospital hosts Reach Out and Run, a community charity care 5K event, starting at 9AM. Goodies include a long-sleeved T-shirt and post-race refreshments. Learn more about it here.
And there’s more—the July 12 Debbie Hudacko Run in Mayfield Village, the August 2 Kathleen Neitert Race for Hope in Aurora, the October 11 Footprints for Focus at John Carroll, and the Highland Health Run in Medina on October 24.
Which brings me to the totally egocentric reason for participating in a walk or run for a good cause: it really is great exercise. Instead of planning on maybe running in your neighborhood park this weekend and changing your mind because it’s drizzling or your errand list is too long, consider committing to exercise in support of a philanthropic endeavor. You’ll be doing yourself and others a favor.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Claudia J. Taller claudiatallerwritesATwowway.com (:divend:)