Whether you want to set a new PR or flex your philanthropic muscles, you’ll have a blast at any one of these worthwhile and impactful charity runs.
ZOOMA Florida Half Marathon, 12K & 5K
October 19-20, 2019 in Amelia Island, Florida 1 of 16
Bring your best friends, your sister, your mom or your daughter for a weekend you'll remember for years to come. ZOOMA is one of the premiere women's charity runs that supports the DONNA Foundation and breast cancer patients. Run either the half marathon, 12K or 5K on beautiful Amelia Island in sunny Florida.
You can expect a race weekend filled with strong women, yoga sessions, speakers, an exciting expo and plenty of celebrations.
Find a
race.Race for the Rescues
October 12, 2019 in Pasadena, California 2 of 16
For those who defend our furry friends, Race for the Rescues is the perfect opportunity to run on behalf of our four-legged pals who don't have a voice—and to run alongside your dog, should you choose. This event includes 5K and 10K run/walks, a 1K dog walk, and, of course, a dog and cat adoption. Participating in this race will assist in giving cats, dogs and horses a second chance. Proceeds will also go toward funding free spay and neuter clinics, veterinary care for pets of low-income families and a shelter intervention program.
Find a
race.Superhero 5K Run/Walk
October 26, 2019 in Arlington, Texas 3 of 16
Arlington's fourth annual Superhero 5K combines great fun with a great cause. The race encourages participants to dress up as their favorite superheroes—and, I mean, who doesn't want an excuse to rock Batman undies on the outside of their pants— all while playing a role in the future prevention of child abuse. A free family carnival will follow, with proceeds benefitting CASA and Child Advocacy Center Programs.
Find a
race.The DONNA Marathon Weekend
February 8-9, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida 4 of 16
Ready to run for something more than a medal? The DONNA Marathon Weekend—which includes a 5K, 10K, relay, half marathon, marathon, ultra marathon and event challenges—is filled with over 10,000 runners from across the globe and, as the National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer, the event is very, very pink.
The course if fast and flat and the beautiful beach communities that line the course have become very adept at throwing a 26-mile long beach block party.
Find a
race.Wings for Life
May 3, 2020 in Santa Clarita, California 5 of 16
Wings for Life is one of the most extraordinary running events in the world. The race will begin simultaneously at 34 locations spanning the globe, and runners won't be chasing a finish line—the finish line will chase them. A "catcher car" representing the finish will pursue the field from behind. Once this car overtakes a runner, his or her race is complete and results are based on distance, not time. All proceeds go toward spinal cord injury research.
Find a
race.Green Door 5K
April 25, 2020 in Rockwall, Texas 6 of 16
On the outskirts of Dondo, Mozambique, exists endless rows of tiny mud huts that house families living in the depths of poverty. Those who reside here have no beds, their walls are made of mud, and, with an average income of $1.25 per day, there's little hope in sight. The Green Door Project has changed the lives of more than 100 families by providing them with new Green Door Homes. The Green Door Race Day is an extension of this humanitarian effort. The event includes the traditional 5K and 10K runs and is punctuated by the Green Door Dash, which involves teams of four competing through an obstacle course while carrying a green door.
Find a
race.Run in the Name of Love
June 21, 2020 in Carmel, California 7 of 16
Speaking of a purpose that anyone can get behind, the Run in the Name of Love offers runners and walkers an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to any individual who has played a special role in their lives—and it's held on Father's Day to boot. So, celebrate dear 'ol dad or another special someone, and do so from the breathtaking Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Find a
race.ZOOMA Florida Half Marathon, 12K & 5K
October 19, 2018 in Amelia Island, Florida 9 of 16
Bring your best friends, your sister, your mom or your daughter for a weekend you'll remember for years to come. ZOOMA is one of the premiere women's charity runs that supports the DONNA Foundation and breast cancer patients. Run either the half marathon, 12K or 5K on beautiful Amelia Island in sunny Florida.
You can expect a race weekend filled with strong women, yoga sessions, speakers, an exciting expo and plenty of celebrations.
Find a
race.Race for the Rescues
October 13, 2018 in Pasadena, California 10 of 16
For those who defend our furry friends, Race for the Rescues is the perfect opportunity to run on behalf of our four-legged pals who don't have a voice—and to run alongside your dog, should you choose. This event includes 5K and 10K run/walks, a 1K dog walk, and, of course, a dog and cat adoption. Participating in this race will assist in giving cats, dogs and horses a second chance. Proceeds will also go toward funding free spay and neuter clinics, veterinary care for pets of low-income families and a shelter intervention program.
Find a
race.Superhero 5K Run/Walk 2017
October 27, 2018 in Arlington, Texas 11 of 16
Arlington's fourth annual Superhero 5K combines great fun with a great cause. The race encourages participants to dress up as their favorite superheroes—and, I mean, who doesn't want an excuse to rock Batman undies on the outside of their pants— all while playing a role in the future prevention of child abuse. A free family carnival will follow, with proceeds benefitting CASA and Child Advocacy Center Programs.
Find a
race.Green Door 5K
December 1, 2018 in Rockwall, Texas 12 of 16
On the outskirts of Dondo, Mozambique, exists endless rows of tiny mud huts that house families living in the depths of poverty. Those who reside here have no beds, their walls are made of mud, and, with an average income of $1.25 per day, there's little hope in sight. The Green Door Project has changed the lives of more than 100 families by providing them with new Green Door Homes. The Green Door Race Day is an extension of this humanitarian effort. The event includes the traditional 5K and 10K runs and is punctuated by the Green Door Dash, which involves teams of four competing through an obstacle course while carrying a green door.
Find a
race.The DONNA Marathon Weekend
February 8-10, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida 13 of 16
Ready to run for something more than a medal? The DONNA Marathon Weekend—which includes a 5K, 10K, relay, half marathon, marathon, ultra marathon and event challenges—is filled with over 10,000 runners from across the globe and, as the National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer, the event is very, very pink.
The course if fast and flat and the beautiful beach communities that line the course have become very adept at throwing a 26-mile long beach block party.
Find a
race.Wings for Life
May 5, 2019 in Santa Clarita, California 14 of 16
Wings for Life is one of the most extraordinary running events in the world. The race will begin simultaneously at 34 locations spanning the globe, and runners won't be chasing a finish line—the finish line will chase them. A "catcher car" representing the finish will pursue the field from behind. Once this car overtakes a runner, his or her race is complete and results are based on distance, not time. All proceeds go toward spinal cord injury research.
Find a
race.Run in the Name of Love
June 2, 2019 in Carmel, California 15 of 16
Speaking of a purpose that anyone can get behind, the Run in the Name of Love offers runners and walkers an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to any individual who has played a special role in their lives—and it's held on Father's Day to boot. So, celebrate dear 'ol dad or another special someone, and do so from the breathtaking Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Find a
race.
About the Author
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article