Run Revival 2022: What to expect

Hello everyone!

Now that March has rolled around, it seems like a strange time to inform you of our plans for the year ahead…. but here we are.

At Run Revival, we are passionate about using running as a means to tackle social issues and help empower the amazing running community.

Of course, this isn’t going to happen overnight and we alone can’t fix such large cracks in society – but we can try to raise as much awareness and vital funds as possible.

This year, we plan to set up a number of events, virtual and in person, and with you we can create something special, however big or small.

We are particularly passionate about raising funds to help organisations doing work to combat the stigma surrounding alcohol and drug abuse.

As many of you will be aware, this is nobody’s fault. No one is born with the intention of being hooked on a substance. If there was more awareness out there, we could help people in the clutches of alcohol and drugs move forward and live happy and productive lives with the support and dignity deserved.

This is a priority for Run Revival and it’s something close to our hearts.

This year, we hope to launch a running club for like-minded people, a free club where runners can meet, have fun and socialise in a safe and happy environment.

Come and run with us, we hope to see you soon!

Join us

Follow us on instagram or join us on Strava to check out our fundraising activity.

Share your story

If you would like to share your story in one of our blogs or talk about your running experience, contact us on runrevival21@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!

We want our community to have a large say in the direction of our fundraising, so if you have any ideas, let us know.

Current activity

We are raising funds for Scottish Families Affected by Drugs and Alcohol by running the Edinburgh Marathon, if you would like to know more or contribute, visit the link in our Instagram bio.

Happy running!

Why Volunteerism Is More Important Than Ever

The world we live in is a place of uncertainty, with new challenges and obstacles around every corner. Although the height of the hurdles differ, varying levels of challenge and opportunity remain.

As I walk the streets of Edinburgh, a city known for its academic achievements, universities, tourism and shopping, there is a side to it that often goes unnoticed. The side that many people don’t want to acknowledge, care for or perhaps are just puzzled about how to make a difference when a problem is so monumental.

As I walk through the West End, past Haymarket and onto Princes street it’s hard to miss the amount of people without a place to go, their only protection from the harsh Scottish elements a piece of old cardboard. It’s impossible not to feel hopeless, to question or feel guilty that you are going home to a comfy bed, to sit on your couch or to turn on your oven to make a hot meal. The irony of a homeless person sitting outside the Apple Store always stings and is a constant reminder to me of just how polarising society really is.

If there’s even one person living on the street, that is already a crisis and a complete failure of those in charge. A warm and safe home is an absolute basic human right, but sadly there are many people across the globe without this.

Volunteerism has always been important and will continue to be so – from running local groups at a community centre to donating your time or expertise to help others. But the global Coronavirus Pandemic has put a floodlight on our communities and exposed the cracks further, cracks we already knew existed but as a society were uncomfortably content with.

Not enough affordable, safe homes. Not enough protection for women. A struggling and under-funded NHS. Children and families without enough food or amenities. Racism and social media platforms that seem unwilling to call it out.

Do you have an urge to make a difference in your community?

I have felt this a lot recently, it’s been a debate in my mind about HOW I can possibly help. This urge is what provided the springboard for Run Revival. My hope is to create a community of like-minded people that want to enact change through running.

If any good is to come from the last two years of the pandemic, I hope it is that human beings club together, show kindness and empathy towards each other and do their bit to make a difference without fear of judgement.

The real valuable asset and currency in this world are the relationships you form and nurture with others. I hope for the day that legislation is passed not based on how much money can be made or protected, but on how human beings will benefit socially, gain greater life opportunities and live happy, healthy lives.