Rethinking the Marathon: In These Challenging Times, Let’s Put Our Energy Where It Truly Matters

 Rethinking the Marathon: In These Challenging Times, Let’s Put Our Energy Where It Truly Matters

Marathons, charity runs, and massive sporting events dominate our cities, taking over streets, requiring months of training, and consuming an incredible amount of resources. Every year, millions of dollars are funneled into event logistics, sponsorships, and race-day hype. But in times like these—when people are struggling to afford food, rent, and basic necessities—shouldn’t we rethink where we direct our energy and money?

Instead of Running in Circles, Let’s Run Toward Real Change

If you’re considering signing up for a marathon, a 10K, or any other large-scale running event, I challenge you to think differently. Instead of paying an entry fee, buying new running gear, and spending hours training, why not put that time and money directly into your community?

Here’s How You Can Make a Real Difference:

1. Give the Money Directly

Instead of donating through a marathon or event that takes administrative fees, find a person or family in need and give them cash directly. Help someone pay their rent, buy groceries, or afford medication. No middleman—just immediate impact.

2. Plant a Garden, Feed a Community

Use the energy you would have spent running to build a garden. Whether it’s in your backyard, on your balcony, or as part of a community project, growing food is a direct way to fight food insecurity.

3. Build Something That Lasts

Instead of running a race, gather a group and help build or repair homes for people in need. Tiny homes, shelters, or even simple renovations can change lives. There are so many people living in unsafe, unstable conditions who could benefit from real, tangible assistance.

4. Volunteer Where It Counts

Spend a day at a shelter, food bank, or community kitchen. The hours you’d dedicate to training could go toward helping someone survive another day.

5. Support Local Mutual Aid Networks

Find grassroots groups in your area that provide direct support to those in crisis. These organizations don’t have massive overheads like corporate charities—they get resources directly to the people who need them.

Racing Toward a Better Future

People run marathons for many reasons—health, personal achievement, charity—but what if we shifted that mindset? What if, instead of running past the homeless person on the street, we stopped and asked how we could help? What if, instead of pushing our bodies to the limit for a medal, we put that effort into pushing for change?

This isn’t about shaming runners or race participants. It’s about waking up to the reality that we are in crisis—climate crisis, housing crisis, food crisis. The time for symbolic charity is over. We need direct, immediate action.

So, before you sign up for another race, ask yourself: Is there a better way to use my time, energy, and money? The answer is almost certainly yes.

Let’s stop running in circles. Let’s start building a future that actually helps people.