Running's a brilliant way to get fit, and even more satisfying when it's for a good cause.
Our Team UNICEF runners have recently raised over £1 million for children through our biggest event in the UNICEF calendar, the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon, which takes place in October.
Join Team UNICEF for this year's race
Still need convincing? Find out below why our Team UNICEF runners are the best!
One runner's story
Ali Hessami ran the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in 2011, and is signed up to join Team UNICEF again in 2012.
What inspired you to take part in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon?
I manage the North London Group of Volunteers for UNICEF. We are a small but energetic group and manage a number of fundraising events every few months.
Last year, I volunteered to run the Royal Parks half Marathon in aid of UNICEF. UNICEF tackles tactical and long-term issues that affect the lives of children globally. As a UN agency without a share of the UN budget, it relies on the generosity of its donors to achieve these goals.
What was your experience of running the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon?
The run is fun, a social activity and an effective way of raising a reasonable amount of funds. The energy and dynamism of the thousands of runners motivates the participants to keep going sometimes beyond their normal tolerance.
What was your experience of fundraising?
I managed to reach my target last year and marginally exceeded it.
What are your hopes for this years Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon?
I am hoping that the 2012 race proves as successful whilst also trying to improve my race time.
Why would you encourage people to take part and enter the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon?
This is a fun way to support a global humanitarian cause especially focused on the plight of the most vulnerable social group. I recommend it to anyone capable of enduring the 13.1 mile course.
Inspired?
• Sign up to the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon!
• Read more about running for UNICEF.
