Column: This is how it works: Why this run will be my most important in 2023
Our columnist keeps picking out runs that somehow make “sense” to him. He doesn’t like the word “charity run” because it’s so arbitrary. It’s more about running for something good. He was particularly taken with this run.
Finally! A new year, new challenges. One resolution remains for me this year: try to support those who could use help with your running – if you run anyway. Running connects people, that’s one of the reasons why I love this sport so much and hopefully will be able to do it for decades to come.
So-called charity runs take place all over the world. Or rather, charity runs. I always shudder a little because it always has something “patronizing” about it. Running for something that makes sense when you can help other people is such a simple but powerful thing. At least most. And if you’re not a friend of donations, if you’d rather do something very actively, then you can find a great run that aims to reduce grievances in our society.
Short biography of Mike Kleiß
Mike Kleiß has been doing sports since he was a child. “Those who exercise achieve more” is his motto in life. Running was always his favorite topic. For seven years he has been running between 15 and 20 kilometers almost every day, often in marathons and sometimes in ultra marathons. So far, our columnist has published two books on running. He is the founder and CEO of Communication agency GOODWILLRUN. Mike Kleiss lives with his family in Hamburg and Cologne. He writes about running here every Thursday.
Rare diseases round- the special run for rare diseases
For a long time during the pandemic, almost all marathon events, all company runs, simply all mass runs were not possible. Organizers had to find new ways. And so the virtual runs suddenly took on a whole new meaning. People wanted that competitive feeling, wanted to keep running for a good cause, so they took the detour to digital runs. In addition to many other positive aspects, a decisive one came into play here: the climate thanks the pandemic. All the cars that couldn’t go to the events. All the garbage that is created. The list is endless.
The “Rare diseases run” is one of these virtual runs. However, one that I think makes a lot of sense. The mechanics are very simple: anyone can take part. Whether marathon or 500 meters. Whether professional runners or wheelchair users, everyone can take part. Jogging, walking, everything is allowed. You run at home, on vacation, on your favorite route, it doesn’t matter. Last year almost 2,000 people did this, and more than 19,000 euros came together. This year the race is set to be even bigger. And I like to bang the drum and run with it myself.
Register here for the “Rare Diseases Run” 2023
Do you want to join in and support those affected by rare diseases? Then sign up here for the “Rare Diseases Run”. This is a virtual run – so you can join from anywhere. You have time for this from February 28 to March 5, 2023. School classes and companies can also take part together.
That’s how it works
From the February 28, Rare Disease Day to March 5 you can choose when you want to run. More than 20 associations are supported, which only take care of people suffering from rare diseases. You can see the list of clubs and all the information here see.
I particularly liked the mission of the people behind the campaign. They say: They want to make the world a little bit better and, above all, happier with running. And they find that if people are happy, our world is very likely a better world. And that’s exactly what they had me with. Especially in these times – and I am firmly convinced of it – we urgently need modules that make people happy. In addition, if we can, we should always keep an eye on those who are worse off. Another reason why rare diseases are so insidious is that they are rarely reported on. With this run, however, they’re suddenly stepping into the limelight a little more. And that is important for everyone involved.
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Dreaming of a moving world
In addition, the organizers of the run have a wonderful vision that I would like to share with you: “Mother Earth has a big problem: people who treat the planet carelessly. The consequences are environmental destruction, climate change, poverty and many other terrible circumstances. We usually blame the problem on other people, big corporations or politicians. In the end, however, it is the case that we individual people can move a lot – above all ourselves. We believe that active and moved people treat themselves differently and thus also differently with their environment in the long term. That’s why we want to help as many people as possible to become active and thus fit and healthy.”
So if you can find some time between February 28th and March 5th, 2023 to run your run for a good cause, register now. I would be happy to give you a virtual wave. That’s how it works.
Read all of Mike Kleiß’s columns here.
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