Houston Chevron Marathon 2013: Event Offers Run for a Reason to Motivate Racers

No one will complete the 2013 Houston Chevron Marathon without a mountain of motivation.

Upbeat music blasting in runners’ ears won’t be enough fuel. It will take much more to run 26.2 miles.

The Houston Marathon Committee is offering that motivation.

Racers are able to be a part of the city’s Run for a Reason Charity Program, which, according to the event’s official website, has been active since 1995. In its history, it’s raised almost $15 million, and this year, Chevron donated $50,000 to the Houston SPCA, an animal adoption service.

Runners, as well as their family and friends, are also able to donate to the competitor’s favorite charity for the race.

Lisa Hernandez of KHOU 11 News wrote a story on how she’s running the half-marathon for CAP, the Citizens for Animal Protection. Hernandez spoke to CAP’s Trisha Royal, who said:

"

I think that so many people, when they adopt an animal from a shelter, they realize what they have done. They’ve saved a life, and I think the animal knows it too.

People like you are gonna be helping us. Running the half-marathon and fundraising for CAP … huge.

"

Saving lives tends to motivate.

Run for a Reason has 60 official charities that racers are encouraged to donate to, including CanCare, Inc., an emotional support program for those who suffer from cancer; Living Water International, which provides clean water in developing nations; and Open Door Mission, a recovery and rehabilitation home.

Runners who take the H-Town streets won’t just be pushing themselves for the sake of running 26.2 miles, they'll be doing it to help others as well.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

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