Run a Snowball Sprint!
Whether it's sunny or snowy, warm or cold, up a mountain trail, or on flat land, you're probably going to go for a run or walk at some point this holiday season. So why not make it for a good cause? Okay, we know the holidays are chaotic -- you still haven't purchased all of your gifts yet, and you're still making travel arrangements, let alone planning to run a 5k, but the good news is: it's a "run-from-where-you-are" event. That means no planning, no crowds, and no drama. You can even choose your route, and if you're looking for the ultimate cocktail of endorphins, charity, and picturesque mountain landscapes, I'm sure snowshoeing would be an acceptable method of transportation.
It's all sponsored by Beat Nb -- a national nonprofit that's leading the fight against childhood cancer -- and runkeeper, the free fitness-tracking app. All you have to do is sign up, donate at least $29 (all goes toward childhood cancer), and track your run or walk (at least 3.1 miles) to participate! You're also invited to share photos and experiences, which is why we're depending on mountain-goers to show off a little bit and share some amazing pictures.
As for the cause and Beat Nb, it was started in 2010, by Pat Lacey, whose son Will was diagnosed with neuroblastoma — a rare form of childhood cancer. Kyle Matthews, Beat Nb's Executive Director, and his wife Robyn lost their two-year-old son, Ezra to the same cancer in 2010. Last year four cancer-fighting sister nonprofits merged under the Beat Nb name. They now operate all over the country, work with international patients, and fund research happening at 45 different hospitals and research institutions through the Beat Childhood Cancer consortium which they helped to found. Astonishingly, they’ve helped fund 19 clinical trials that are responsible for improving survival rate from 60 percent to a staggering 80 percent.
So if you're looking for something to do as a family, or if you haven't fulfilled your intent to volunteer this holiday season, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a difference. You can find more details at the Snowball Sprint website here!
