RUN WITH FRIENDS – RUNNING FOR A CAUSE WITH FRIENDS INTERNATIONAL

This year, Go! Running Tours is partnering with Friends International to give you an opportunity to help others through running. 

Friends International is a leading social enterprise committed to saving the lives and building the futures of the most marginalised children, youth and families in Southeast Asia. They work with children and young people in vulnerable situations – unemployed youth, migrants and refugees, children living outside of family care, out of school children and working children. 

They set out to achieve change with a holistic approach. The first step is ensuring the safety of children by providing medical care, counselling, support groups and rehabilitation. They then provide education and job opportunities through vocational training, working closely with like minded organisations. The social enterprise’s approach differs from traditional ‘pity charity’ and thus offers empowering, sustainable solutions. Each year they support 51,000 children, youth and families to go to school, attend vocational training and find employment.

What has running got to do with it?

This year, Friends International aim to raise $40,000 through #RunWithFriends, a fundraising initiative taking part in major running events in Bangkok, Singapore and Angkor Wat. If you would like to contribute to the cause, you can donate to the fundraiser here. If you want to take part in a race and become a fundraiser yourself, you have three options. 

First up is the Bangkok Marathon, on 17th November 2019. This race takes in many of Bangkok’s most important sights, starting and finishing at The Grand Palace. If you’re not up for a full marathon, don’t worry, there is also the possibility to run a 5km, 10km or half marathon. Secondly, you can run the Singapore Marathon, on 30th November and 1st December 2019. 2019 is a unique year as for this race as it is the first time it will be held in the evening. Again, you can choose between 5km, 10km, the half marathon or the full marathon. Last but not least is the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon in Cambodia on 8th December 2019. This race provides a unique chance to run a stunning half marathon track through ancient temple grounds. Here, you can choose from a 3km, 5km, 10km or 21km run.

To get involved, sign up for one of the events through the #RunWithFriends page. You’ll have a once in a lifetime opportunity to run in Southeast Asia whilst contributing to a great cause. You’ll also be in with the chance to win some great prizes and you’ll receive a special offer from Go! Running Tours – to appreciate the great efforts of those involved, we have decided to give all fundraisers a discount on their next Go! Running tour.