There are thousands of ways to raise money for charity, but the ones that require the most effort still tend to raise the most sponsorship. With that in mind TFN has compiled the top 10 events happening in Scotland this year that might just require some blood, sweat and tears
1. Colour Me Rad
If you have a long way to go before attempting a marathon, this 5k event could be the perfect way to get started. This is a fun run with a twist, as runners get ‘colour-bombed’ with paint as they make their way round the course. Colour Me Rad is ideal for doing with a group of friend. A portion of the proceeds goes towards a local charity in the community (this differ for each area) and runners can also organise their own sponsors. Colour Me Rad will be coming to Edinburgh on the 9th of May 2015, and Aberdeen on the 6th June. A Glasgow run is also happening but yet to be confirmed. Find more information on their website.
2. The Glencoe Marathon
The Glencoe Marathon has a brutal yet rewarding route which links Glencoe with Glen Nevis. Featuring the Devil’s Staircase, a gruelling 500 metre climb over the eastern edge of Aonach Eagach Ridge, runners will have the chance to see some breathtaking views while challenging themselves with every step. All standard entry places for The Glencoe Marathon Gathering 2015 automatically support Venture Scotland and Project Northern Lights. In order to run for a charity of your choice, contact the directly and get them to contact the Glencoe team. The race takes places on Sunday 4th October. Go to their website for more information.
3. The Edinburgh Marathon
A flat course, Edinburgh Marathon was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World in 2008. If you’re a marathon newbie this could be a great way to get you started. When it comes to picking which cause you want to raise money for, the official charity of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival is Macmillan Cancer Support, although they have five premier affiliated charities and a further 200 affiliated charities to pick from so you’re spoilt for choice. The race takes places on Sunday the 31st May so register soon so you can start planning your training schedule! Go to the Edinburgh Marathon website for more info.
4. The London Marathon
An iconic race, this is a challenge that tops many people’s buckets lists. Unfortunately it looks like online entries for the 2015 event, which takes place on the 26th of April, are now closed. However, it might be possible to enter via a charity entry place, as each allocated charity has a set number of runners allowed to run for their cause. There isn’t long till this behemoth of a challenge but if you’re up for it go to their website for information on how to enter.
5.The MoonWalk
Working to raise awareness of breast cancer, the Edinburgh MoonWalk offers participants four different options according to fitness levels and what kind of challenge you want to set yourself. Rather than running, these are power walking marathons, where each walker dons a bra (normally decorated) as a fun and colourful to highlight a cause which affects so many women. From the New Moon (6.55 miles) to Over the Moon (a whopping 52.4 miles), this event is for people of all ages and sporting abilities. This is an event best done in a team, as you may need each other to boost morale through the night. Check out the Walk the Walk website for more details.
6. Race for Life
With nearly 20 events happening across Scotland in 2015, Race for Life will soon be coming to a city near you! An event only for women and children, funds raised will go towards Cancer Research UK and their continued work in fighting against cancer. With races starting at 5K, this is an accessible event no matter what you’re age, and there’s no pressure to run all the way. Interested? Find a race near you and see where your money would go.
7. The Caledonian Challenge
Fancy really testing yourself in 2015? Choose from The 54 (54 miles in 24 hours) and The 24 (24 miles in 12 hours) and walk along the stunning West Highland Way to raise money forFoundation Scotland. The events should be completed in teams, which is probably for the best as you’ll have someone to cheer you along, and someone to fundraise with. Go their website to find out more about The Caledonian Challenge.
8. The Kiltwalk
Kiltwalk brings together Scotland’s children’s charities. Kiltwalks will be happening all over Scotland this year and are a fun way to do something positive for the future of Scottish children. The main Kiltwalks are either 26 or 13 miles and participants have to raise a minimum of £200, 805 of which will go towards children’s causes. So what you waiting for? Dust off yer kilt and register to take part.
9. The Great Scottish Run
Truly an event that brings everyone together, The Great Scottish Run lets runner take in some of Scotland’s most famous landmarks while raising money for good causes. Events range from a toddler dash to a half marathon which snakes around Glasgow’s hotspots, ending in Glasgow Green. The event will place in October 2015 and is sure to be popular! Have a peek at their website to register or find out more.
10. Tough Mudder
If it’s a challenge you’re looking for, Tough Mudder could be the event for you. Combining ice cold lochs, strenuous climbs and, of course, lots and lots of mud, this not a course for the faint-hearted. Tough Mudder are partners with Help for Heroes and participants can also choose their won charity to raise funds for. The event is coming to Scotland in June 2015… If you think you’re up for it, head over totheir website to find out more.
