Running (Long) for (Big) Change
Yes, the title is a play on words for Run for Change and the Run for Change Society. What started as virtually a one-man grass-roots program to encourage and help individuals at a low point in life, yet ready to do something about it, has morphed into something a great deal more. From simply responding to encouragement just to run for their own good, things have progressed for some of the participants to the point where they are tackling a half marathon, that will happen at the BMO Vancouver Marathon on May 6.
Many participants have now taken part in the Run for Change 5K Fun Run (held in August). Some have progressed to taking on the Sun Run 10K (26 this year, courtesy of the organizers). And now, FIVE of those have set their sights on doing their very first half marathon, the BMO Vancouver (Half) Marathon. Nobody is worried about a time, although there is no doubt each will be doing his or her best, running or walking, or running and walking. Just finishing a half marathon will be the reward, a reward which will be very personal and very special.
So what is the story here?
Well, that “one-man” who started it all is Benji Chu. He had a vision of how he wanted to lend a hand to those who needed one, but more importantly, to who were ready to reach out and take that hand. The motivation came from deep inside and is based on Benji’s own perspective that:
“I’ve become a much healthier and happier person. Running has helped me build my discipline and confidence, and I’d like others to experience this same sense of empowerment.”
Just like all the many dedicated volunteers who have joined Run for Change since its inception, he believes that running or walking on a regular basis to achieve a personal goal is extremely empowering and with a little motivation and encouragement, the results can be life changing. Run for Change is a free running/walking group for those from shelters, recovery centres and low-income households in Vancouver. You can learn more from this special and inspiring video produced by Tetley .
Things started slowly with a core group of volunteers to help with training runs (2009), and frankly, sometimes there were more volunteers than participants at the twice weekly training sessions. Participants who needed shoes or proper running gear were provided these things from a stock gathered from friends in the running community. Water and light snacks were always available after the session. The First Annual Run for Change 5K only had 25 participants. The ‘Second Annual’ essentially doubled the number and the Third Annual Run for Change 5K Fun Run (Aug 18) is hoping to see the numbers double again. The event is free; everyone gets a shirt and finisher medal, as well as, nutritious and fun post-run refreshments.
But first, there is other business at hand – the business of FIVE motivated participants challenging the half marathon distance. Under the coaching and support of Margaret Maxim, team leader of the Run for Change Sunday morning training sessions, Darren, Laura, Rivers, Ron and Wilson will be taking on their very first Half Marathon. None of these brave warriors has ever run an event longer than 10K. The great news is the BMO Vancouver Marathon has donated the entries to encourage and support the dream of these athletes to push the limit of what is possible for each of them. They will be joined by a number of supporters running in the Run for Change Cheer Team. A dedicated Run for Change Cheer Team for the BMO Cheer Challenge will be out on course to ensure there is also lots of moral support along the way!
Run for Change has recently become the Run for Change Society, an official non-profit society. It is now in a position to more effectively seek support and resources to continue and expand the work demanded by its mission and vision.
Anyone motivated by this story and planning to run either the full or half marathon on May 6 is welcome, in fact encouraged, to sign on to the Run for Change Team. Including the core group of five participant runners, there are at least 12 members to the team and more are welcome.
If you aren’t running, consider joining the official Run for Change Cheer Team.
If that isn’t an option, please go to the official site of the Run for Change Society and consider in what other way you can contribute to helping the program participants make real life-change decisions and then take the actions needed to see them through.
Remember: The longest journey begins with a single step.
Bio:
This piece was prepared for Run for Change by Dan Cumming, early volunteer, Technical Race Director for the Run for Change 5K Fun Run, and Editor of Running in the Zone (the blog and book).