Running for a Cause: My Royal Parks Half Marathon for the British Heart Foundation
The Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the most scenic and iconic races in the UK, taking runners past some of London’s most famous landmarks and through four of its eight Royal Parks. It’s a route that I’ve run before, but this time was different. This time, I was running for a cause-raising money for the British Heart Foundation.
Fundraising isn’t always easy, but when you’re doing it for a cause you believe in, the effort feels worthwhile. And through the support of friends, colleagues, and even strangers, I was able to cross the finish line not only with a personal sense of accomplishment but knowing that I had contributed to something bigger than myself.
Why the British Heart Foundation?
The company I was working for at the time had teamed up with the British Heart Foundation and secured spots in the Royal Parks Half Marathon. The idea was simple: train, participate in the race, and raise money for the charity. I was struck by how few people took advantage of the opportunity. In a company of thousands, only a small handful signed up for these types of events, whether it was running, sailing, or any of the many extracurricular activities that were available.
For me, this was the perfect challenge. I’d been looking for a way to get fit, and the chance to train with the support of my company while raising money for a great cause was too good to pass up. So, I started training, joined the running club, and set my sights on race day.
The Power of Community and Running with Purpose
There’s something truly special about organised races like the Royal Parks Half Marathon. It’s not just the physical challenge-it’s the community that forms around the event. The streets are lined with supporters, cheering for runners by name, offering words of encouragement, and pushing you forward when you feel like you’ve hit a wall. I’ve run half marathons before, both in organised events and on my own, but there’s a different energy when you’re surrounded by thousands of others, all working toward the same goal.
Having my name, “Nathan,” printed on my shirt was a simple but powerful motivator. As I ran through the closed roads of London, people would shout, “Come on, Nath!” or “Go, Nathan!” there was even a loud “Nate Dawg, Gwarn Son” And while those moments may seem small, they made a huge difference to my sprit. There’s something about knowing that others are watching, supporting, and cheering you on that helps you push through the harder moments. It’s a reminder that, even in what feels like an individual challenge, you’re never truly alone.
Fundraising: If You Don’t Ask, You Don’t Get
One of the most humbling aspects of this experience was the fundraising. Asking people for money, especially when it doesn’t benefit you personally, can be daunting. But it’s because of the support from others that I was able to reach and even surpass my fundraising goal for the British Heart Foundation.
As I mentioned in my Instagram post: “Fundraising isn’t for everybody. It is a humbling experience to ask for money which will serve for no personal benefit. But it’s because of your support to me personally that I encourage all donors (so far) to check your post box.”
The key lesson I’ve learned in fundraising is simple: “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” Many of us shy away from asking for help, but what I’ve found is that people are often more willing to support you than you think. The worst that can happen is someone says no, and in that case, you’re no worse off than where you started. But if they say yes, you’ve just opened up the possibility for something much greater-supporting a cause that makes a real difference.
Race Day: Running Through London’s Royal Parks
The Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the most picturesque races in London. The route takes runners past iconic landmarks and through some of the city’s most beautiful parks-Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. There really isn’t a better half marathon for a Londoner, especially when you’re running for a cause that you care about.
On race day, the energy was electric. The streets were closed, the parks were alive with the autumn colours, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement. Thousands of runners, each with their own reason for being there, set off through the city, united by the challenge and by the causes they were supporting.
As I crossed the finish line, I was filled with a deep sense of accomplishment. Not just for completing the race, but for the journey that had brought me there-the training, the fundraising, and the support from everyone who had cheered me on along the way. It wasn’t just about running 13.1 miles-it was about doing something meaningful with those miles.
The Importance of Supporting Causes You Believe In
One of the biggest takeaways from this experience is the importance of finding ways to support causes that resonate with you. Whether it’s through physical challenges like running a half marathon or simply raising awareness, there’s always something you can do to make a difference. Charities like the British Heart Foundation rely on the support of people like us to continue their life-saving work, and while it may seem like a small contribution, every bit helps.
As I mentioned in my Instagram post: “Much love to everyone who helped me cross the finish line. That said, you didn’t ask, and you got. #GoFigure.”
Sometimes, just being part of a cause, supporting those around you, and putting in the effort is enough. And the impact? That goes far beyond the finish line.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Race
The Royal Parks Half Marathon wasn’t just about crossing the finish line-it was about the journey, the community, and the cause. It was a reminder that when we come together to support something bigger than ourselves, we can achieve incredible things. Whether you’re running, cycling, or finding your own way to contribute, I encourage you to get involved and support a cause you believe in.
And if you ever find yourself wondering if you should ask for help in raising money for charity, remember: If you don’t ask, you don’t get.