Why do running and charity often go hand in hand? I hypothesize that the general demographic of runners is people who have a good life balance, which helps them realize that giving back is important. As runners, we have all been at a point where we are exhausted, tired, and feel lousy, but we push through it, work through it, and sometimes get a little motivational help from our friends. That is why runners like to give back to each other. Because most of us couldn’t do what we do without the help and sacrifices from friends and family. Giving back to friends and family is too easy though, giving to others is a challenge. Runners love a challenge. Here’s a challenge and way to give back, the Hike for Youth 10K Trail Run.
Hike for Youth is an active, outdoor fundraising event that raises essential funds for three Colorado local outdoor programs for youth: Mile High Youth Corps, cityWILD and Colorado Mountain Club‘s Youth Education Program.
On Saturday, September 12, 2009, hundreds of people will hit the trails of Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Colorado to show their support for local organizations that get kids active and outside. Participants can register individually or with a group of friends for a variety of hikes (ranging from 1-6 miles), or for the inaugural 10K Trail Run for Youth. All hikes will end in time for the after-hike party, the perfect opportunity to recharge with free lunch, entertainment and fresh mountain air. Register at www.hikeforyouth.org and choose whether you want your hike/run to benefit one particular agency, or all three. Trail Running is so hot right now, that’s why new to this year is a 10K Trail Run.
New to 2009: 10k Trail Run for Youth
The course is a combo of single-track trail and dirt service roads with challenging elevation gains, hillside vistas and secluded mountain terrain. Bonus: A group of Olympic runners will share training secrets and race tips.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
7:30 a.m. Inaugural 10K Trail Run for Youth begins (suggested check-in time @ 7:00)
9:00 a.m. Difficult hikes begin (6-8 miles; suggested check-in time @ 8:30)
9:30 a.m. Moderate hikes begin (4-6 miles; suggested check-in time @ 9:00)
11:00 a.m. Easy hikes begin (1-3 miles; suggested check-in time @ 10:30)
12:00 noon the after hike party begins!
Sound pretty sweet and something you want to participate in? Here are 3 steps to make that happen:
STEP 1- REGISTER TODAY.
Choose an easy, moderate or difficult hike or the trail run and sign up at www.hikeforyouth.org. Be sure to indicate which organization you’re participating for, or choose to have your hike/run benefit all three agencies. Registration includes your hike/run, a gift bag and food and fun at the after-hike party.
$25 in advance for adults (run or hike) ($30 the day of)
$10 in advance for youth ages 5-17 ($15 the day of)
$200 in advance for an adult team of up to 12 ($250 the day of) $100 in advance for a youth group of up to 12 (includes 2 adult supervisors)
FREE for kids ages 4 and under
STEP 2- COLLECT PLEDGES FOR GREAT PRIZES
All participants are encouraged to raise $100 or more in pledges—and top fundraisers will win cool prizes, like REI gift cards and outdoor gear. You’ll receive a link to a personal Web page immediately after registering. Customize it with photos, etc. and e-mail it out to start accepting credit card contributions from your friends and family. Read below for more tips on fundraising:
- Share Your Connection- Tell people why you’re participating in the Hike and why getting youth active and outdoors is important to you.
- Spread the Word- Promote your participation through free advertising space like company newsletters, neighborhood fliers and Facebook.
- Seek Out Matching Gift Opportunities- Ask your company or church to match any personal pledges you raise and double your money.
- Pool Your Pledges- Hiking with a group of friends? Set a group goal and try to reach it together.
- Have Fun- Showing enthusiasm and passion for youth and the outdoors is the best way to raise money.
WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED? BECOME A CHAMPION HIKER!
We’re looking for individuals to serve as champion hikers and get a group of friends, hiking groups, co-workers or church pals involved. Rally your troops and make Hike or Youth the activity of this fall. A group of up to 12 can participate for only $200, roughly $16 a person. Contact Anna Black at annab@mhyc.net or 303.433.1206 (opt. 1, x344) to register your team today!
Be a Serious Runner and give back to others. Better yet, be a Serious Trail Runner and share running in nature with those without easy access to nature. Trail Running is a terrible thing to waste.