Provo residents — BYU students in particular— are known for their infectious desire to run without cause.
But causes are everywhere, whether for schools, children or third world countries. Among the lengthy list of charity-sponsored runs, here are 10 that are sure to result in a full heart and a runner's high.
Runners participate in the Cougar Run, a 5K road race. Similar races are available throughout the summer for people to enjoy. Photo by Chris Bunker
July 13: Provo Adventure Race for Africa
The third annual Adventure Race for Africa consists of a team canoe, bike and 5K run/walk with various humanitarian activities set up along the way.
'I am not a great swimmer, but I love triathlons, so I created a triathlon where you could canoe instead of swim,' said Kindee Dixon, race director. 'Plus, we have challenges at each leg of the event that have something to do with Africa (i.e., carrying a bucket of water on your head), as well as things to support other non-profit groups doing work in Africa.'
All proceeds will go to benefit the World of Difference Foundation, whose mission is to build schools, train teachers and provide educational supplies for African children. While the race is adventurous, it is designed for all ages and ability levels.
In addition to this race being a great cause, BYU students can receive $20 off the registration price when they sign up for this event. Just put 'student4africa' in the discount code under student registration.
For more information, visit www.adventureforafrica.com
July 20: Salt Lake Gravity Hill 5K
The Gravity Hill 5K run/walk begins at the Utah State Capital in Salt Lake City and benefits One Hour for Life, a non-profit organization that aims to provide basic emergency, medical and nutritional education to those without access.
For more information, visit www.racingwithpassion.com
July 24: Provo Pioneer Day Raft and 5K
Dress up like a pioneer, cowboy or Native American and prepare to raft down the Provo River and participate in a 5K run. All proceeds go to Live Your Dream Scholarships for struggling, single moms. This scholarship was created to help single mothers complete college and achieve their dreams despite the difficult situations they find themselves in.
For more information, visit www.raftandrun.com
July 27: Cooper's Run 5K run/walk in Orem
Cooper's Run, named after the founder's recently deceased four-year-old son, raises funds in Cooper's name for worthy 'individual and family-based' causes that positively affect the community.
'I'm confident that (BYU students) will not have experienced an event like Cooper's Run and they will not walk away the same,' said Jana Lynn Kofford, Cooper's mom and the race director. 'There is a palpable feeling that when you participate in Cooper's Run you help us remember our son while, at the same time, contribute to very worthwhile causes.'
The event will include with carnival games, a ride-on-tractor-train, a dunk tank, music and more. These fun, family-friendly activities also include bringing attention to saying 'thank you' to the City of Orem and EMS workers.
For more information, visit www.coopersrun.org
Aug. 3: You're So Vein 5K/10K in Orem
Sponsored by the Intermountain Vein Center, with the clever slogan, 'You're so 'vein' you probably think this race is about you. Well, it is!'
This 5K/10K run aims at getting healthy legs moving. All proceeds go to the Now I Can Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping disabled children.
For more information, visit www.youresovein.com
Aug. 3: Run Like a Girl 5K/10K in Midway
Run Like a Girl, put on by the She Runs Organization, is a women's-only retreat where fitness and health professionals teach women about their bodies. A portion of the proceeds will go to the American Diabetes Association, to help fight diabetes which, according to ADA, affects 12.6 million women.
For more information, visit www.sheruns.com
Aug. 17: Live, Remember, Run 5K in Spanish Fork
This event is designed to bring together all those who have lost a loved one, as all proceeds will benefit Canary Garden, a non-profit organization that helps families, children in particular, who are grieving the loss of a loved one. This event was organized by a family that lost their son and is using that trial to help other families in need.
For more information visit www.Facebook.com/LiveRemberRun
Aug. 23: Mapleton Moonlight Half Marathon
Don't cross the finish line too early or too late. This race is a competition to see who can cross it as close to midnight as possible without using any timing devices. All proceeds of this race will go toward the Mapleton Parkway trail, which is nearing completion.
'We decided to work with the city and put the funds toward a running trail through our city. Once it is completed, the trail will run from Hobble Creek Canyon all of the way across Mapleton and connect to the Spanish Fork trail system,' said Nick Bluth, race director.
For more information, visit www.moonlighthalf.com
Aug. 24: The Color Run in Salt Lake City
The Color Run travels from state to state as it spreads its message of healthiness, happiness, individuality and charity. This 5K run is a paint race that chooses a local charity for each city it visits, raising donations for over 60 local and national charities in 2012. The Color Run allows for members of each state to go on and nominate a charity they think would benefit from the Color Run's help.
For more information, visit www.thecolorrun.com
Aug. 31: Footsteps for Fertility in Salt Lake City
Join the Footsteps for Fertility Foundation in raising awareness of infertility. All proceeds will be awarded as monetary Footsteps for Fertility Foundation grants, providing opportunities for couples to receive fertility treatments. The drawing for grants will be given to participants and takes place after the 5k race.
For more information, visit facebook.com/FootstepsForFertility