Running for a Cause
This article originally appeared on 413Life.com
In 2011, Sue Monahan was training for a half ironman competition and couldn't find a half marathon event locally to add to her training schedule. So, she made her own 13.1-mile course. After running it a few times, she thought it would be perfect to fill the training needs of so many other runners and triathletes in the area.
But, rather than just simply sharing the course, she wound up turning it into one of the 413’s premier road races to benefit charity. Now, heading into its 12th annual race this May, the WMass Mother’s Day Half Marathon has raised more than $390,000 for Cancer Connection, a Northampton-based nonprofit organization that offers services free of charge for individuals living with a cancer diagnosis, their families, and those who support them .
"I believe wholeheartedly in running for a cause. I picked Cancer Connection because I believe in their mission and I've seen the positive effects of their services on people I know. Who doesn't know someone that has dealt with cancer?”
Sue decided to hold the event on Mother's Day because everybody knows it’s always the second Sunday in May, which makes it really easy to remember and to schedule on your training calendar every year.
“Organizing this event and serving as Race Director has been a tremendously rewarding experience for me. I’ve met some amazing people along the way: runners, walkers, volunteers, cancer survivors, fighters, sponsors, spectators, and family members. Everyone has a powerful story and I love to hear them all!”
Each runner comes to the race with their own personal story and motivation. From running to honor someone who passed or someone who has persevered, to running with their mom (on Mother’s Day!) or their dad or friends.
“It's really fun to see the runners get so much support from their friends and families. I think that pushes them through to the finish line. Even volunteers have stories as to why they support the race. All of these stories weave together for this event, giving it an incredibly positive vibe. If you look at the people and the event photos, the smiles explain it all. Even the tears sometimes carry so much joy.”
A big focus of the event is to pay it forward in as many ways as possible. The event literally runs on sponsorships and in-kind support from local businesses and donations collected by participants (runners are encouraged to fundraise instead of paying an entry fee).
“The reach of this race is far beyond what I originally anticipated. The positive impact of this race inspires and motivates me over and over again each year. To see people set goals and cross that finish line is a very fulfilling and empowering experience.”
The WMass Mother’s Day Half Marathon course takes runners through the 413 towns of Whately and Hatfield, in the shadow of Mt. Sugarloaf and past some of the region’s most fertile and productive farmland along the banks of the Connecticut River. In addition to the half marathon, there is also a 9-mile option and a virtual 5K for those unable to attend in person.