I want to do a 10k but sponsoring issues!

[SuperPixie247]

First off, this is NOT a begging post. I haven't signed up for anything yet, just mulling things over.

I have very recently took up running, it gets me out of the house, is great for my wellbeing etc. My city, Leeds, has just had its 10k run and I am determined next year to do it myself. But I don't have a lot of family, very few friends and I am a SAHM so no colleagues either! How much emphasis is placed upon fundraising?

Most runs, no fundraising required unless you need a charity place because they've sold out.

I’ve done a few 10ks. Never had sponsors, I just pay the registration fee. Does it say you have to have sponsors on the website?

The only time I've taken sponsorship for a running race is when it's been a family fun run and I've run with DS and he's been sponsored.
For me running is a hobby, and I wouldn't ask people to sponsor me for something I enjoy doing. As a PP has said, in most cases you can just pay a registration fee and run without being sponsored.

Just google (or look on Runner's World) for 10K races in your area.
It's really only the big ones which are fundraisers. Most club-organised races just ask for an entry fee.

I don’t think anyone would ask for sponsorship for a 10K!

It is my first run and I don't know the etiquette at all.

Looking online, it is £25 to enter which goes towards the Jane Tomlinson charity and no fundraising required thankfully.

I'm the same as you @HoundOfTheBasketballs I have never asked for fundraising for anything and would have hated to do so now!

Just pay regular entry fee.

No need to ask to be sponsored unless you want to.

If you wan t you could always tell family that "I am.doing a 10k first time. Not asking for sponsorship but if it inspires you to donate to your favourite charity please do ! "

Pay the entry fee. Job done. Thanks

Thanks was a mistake - I didn't intend that to sound quite so sarky

Ah good luck!
Your first 10k is special, it requires training and effort and feels like a real running milestone.

As everyone has said, you needn't feel pressure to fundraise, just enjoy.

I've done loads of races and never done any fundraising, unless it's a specific race for a charity when the entry fee is my donation.

I'd feel bad asking people to sponsor me to do something that Ilove doing.

Fundraising is optional if you have purchased your ticket. It's only when you have got a ticket via a charity that you fundraise for them.

I know the race you are referring to and you definitely do not need to fundraise. I never do - and I run races most weekends.

I did my first 10k last year and didn't ask for sponsors. Really not essential.

And also good luck.

Getting the first medal round your neck is one of the best feelings.

I've done a few 10km runs, as have dh and one ds. We just pay to register.

There are four kinds of races, essentially: charity events like race for life. These are fundraising events and have a lot of charity runners. Tend to be very inclusive with lots of first timers. You don't have to fundraise, but most people will. Around Leeds some popular events are the Harewood House BHF 10k in Feb, the Temple Newsam stroke assos in March, Cancer Research 19k at Temple Newsam in June. Sure there are lots of others…

Then there’s the big events like the Leeds 10k, also the Abbey dash in October. Mix of runners, and good for getting big crowd support but are also expensive and can be a bit soulless. There’s no expectation of sponsorship but some people fundraise. If you were interested in the Leeds 10k you could consider signing up for the Abbey Dash instead. It’s more or less the same route up and down the Kirkstall road and finishing on the Headrow. It’s the same price. And it’s usually much better running weather than the start of July.

Most of the local clubs hold events, so the Pudsey Pacers run the Pudsey 10k, the Kirkstall harriers run an 11k which starts and finishes in the Abbey grounds. These are smaller events, half the price of the big events, very friendly. Don’t tend to get much on-the-route support but a good chance of a cup of tea and a slice of cake afterwards. Sponsorship for these is not a thing.

There’s also smaller commercial events. It’s grim up north running is one company I know of, but there are probably othes. Mid-priced and a mix of runners. People rarely get sponsored for these.

The only events which could justify mandatory fundraising are races like the London marathon which are hugely oversubscribed (less than one in twenty chance of getting a place via the ballot.) Charities can buy guaranteed places for £300 but in return for a charity place, runners have to commit to raising a certain amount and/or funding any shortfall so that the charity doesn’t lose out. The Leeds 10k doesn’t sell out, so it's a different dynamic.

Thank you all very much for the advice.

I am definitely looking forward to getting my first medal, even if I may be the last one to cross the finish line

Thanks for all the local info @Threehoursfromhome I will look into the Abbey Dash and the Harewood House 10k too.

www.northernrunningguide.com is awesome for looking up races

I have run two 10k in the last year and haven't asked for sponsorship for either of them. Am running a 10 mile at the end of the year. Won't be fundraising either. Am doing a 5K race for life and am fundraising for that.

For me, there's a distinction between fundraising events and races.

I've done the Leeds 10k before (hello fellow Leeds resident!) and I didn't get nay sponsorship.

You just pay an entry fee :)

I have signed up to the Wakefield Hospice Night 10k. Exciting!

Just dropping in to wish you well.

10k is a lovely distance (sense of achievement but not overwhelming) and I hope you have a wonderful event.

If you want a nice 5k the Curly’s Yorkshire Wildlife Park spring and autumn ones are good.

They do runs a bit further south. My parents are over that way so I like to do them so I can drop the kids off at their house and go do my run!

Yay, well done OP.

I need to warn you though, it's addictive.