Perhaps you have already thought about taking part in a fun run. If so, you should definitely do it once. If not, I want to give you a few good reasons today to at least give it some serious thought.
Personally, I am a big fan of such running events. In this article I want to bring you closer to what makes a fun run and what distinguishes it from other running events. I want to give you 7 good reasons why you should definitely take part in such a run.
At the end of the article I want to show you briefly how you can find fun runs in your area and introduce you to such a run here in Hanover (my current place of residence). There you can take part in a joint preparation run and of course the running event with me.
What makes a fun run a fun run
Fun runs are designed for a maximum number of participants. For them, the focus is on having fun running and being proud of personal performance. The organizers are concerned with the further spread of running. The health component of running is also often the focus of the event.
A fun run is clearly designed for the participation of everyone who wants to participate. No club membership, registration for a passport or even a qualification is necessary. Most of the participants are not interested in measuring themselves against others. Rather, it’s about experiencing the event and completing the route together with other runners (with a good time).
Fun runs are therefore also rather shorter running routes that can also be created for people who have not run for that long or that often. For this reason, the maximum route times have been chosen very generously.
Often a fun run is a simple “entry drug” into running. In the vast majority of cases, however, the side effects are extremely desirable.
7 reasons why you should take part in a fun run
There are many good reasons that speak in favor of taking part in a fun run. All of this is especially true if you’ve never been to a running event. But even if you have already participated in a major road run, it certainly can’t hurt.
1) It’s a great, positive experience
If you have never been to a running event, then I can promise you that you will have a great, positive experience afterwards.
You meet nice people who have something in common, they all want to have fun together and experience a great running event. The runners want to achieve something without having to compete with each other. That leads to a great sense of community.
In addition, there are always some spectators at such events to celebrate their relatives and all other runners. This motivates even more and helps that you will keep your first fun run in good memory.
2) You help yourself to stay on the ball
There could be several reasons why you would like to run regularly. However, if you find it difficult to stay on the ball, a running event on the horizon can be a great motivator. This is especially true if others know about your registration. This will create commitment and will make it harder for you to avoid your running training.
3) The distances are tradable
Even if a short run will be motivating enough for many not to let the running training drag too much, the challenge is not so great that you run the risk of breaking off in frustration.
The distance is manageable and thus realistically achievable with a little training, without having to do too much at once. This is an important first step. And believe me, the effect of small changes should not be underestimated.
4) You make yourself (D) a success
When you have worked towards something and then achieve it, it is a feeling of achievement. This is good for your psyche, your self-esteem and everything that you plan for the future. There is hardly anything more effective in the fight against your inner weaker self than really good goals and real success on the way there.
With the manageable distances of a fun run, you have the best chance of achieving success without taking too much risk. At the same time, success is real and important when it brings you closer to your goal. By the way, this also helps you to visualize further goals .
5) A great first stopover
If you go running or want to go running regularly, then you have surely set yourself a ( smart ) route goal. But hardly anyone will be able to run a marathon or half marathon straight away. In order to make this great goal really achievable, it makes sense to cut it into smaller pieces.
The best thing to do is set yourself intermediate goals and a fun run like this is a very good intermediate goal. There are a lot of such runs with different distances. There is sure to be the right stopover for you.
6) You can learn more about running
Fun races are designed for amateur runners and those who want to become one. There is usually still a lot of supporting program around fun run events. This can be a (small) trade fair, information material or information stands where you can soak up a lot of valuable information on various topics related to running. In addition, you often meet more experienced runners with whom you can also exchange ideas.
7) You are doing something for your health
Running is (done right) one of the healthiest sports. Anything that makes you run is therefore a good thing for your health. Every running event and every preparation for it is healthy for you. So do something for yourself and register for a fun run near you right away. Because as you know for sure, everything you can do for your health is ultimately the best for you and all people to whom you are important.
Find popular running events
If you are now wondering how you can best find a suitable running event in your area, you should take a look at the following contact points:
- The local press usually provides information about current events in the region. The websites also often have something like a calendar of events.
- Events will almost certainly also be presented on the website or Facebook page of your city or region in which you live.
- There are also national websites that collect and publish relevant events. One such page with a very extensive event calendar, which I also visit from time to time, is Runnersworld: Runnersworld running calendar.
Take part in the KKH run in Hanover with me
I currently live and spend a large part of my time in tranquil Hanover. A fun run that takes place every year (among other things) in Hanover is the KKH run. The special thing about the KKH run is that all entry fees for the event go in full to the aid organization “Ein Herz für Kinder”. That’s why I decided to take part and promote the event a bit here.
The run will take place on June 24th. I will take part in the so-called fitness run. This goes around the beautiful Maschsee with a distance of about 6 kilometers.
If you want, you can enter “Fitvolution” under the team name when registering, run with me and then drink an alcohol-free finisher beer. The team name is not really necessary but I would think it would be cool if Fitvolution showed up on the teams with a few participants.
Here you come to the registration
The KKH run in Hanover was a great event that I’m happy to be part of again. I was allowed to go on stage for a short interview and even set a new personal lap record during the run.