The inspiring story of the girl runners at URDT illustrates the powerful connection between athletics and the overall success of girls “on the playing field of life.” Runners4Runners encourages and supports distance running and sports as a means of empowering girls in developing regions.

The very nature of athleticism is to challenge limitations, surmount obstacles and defy the odds. Through the vigorous but rewarding sport of running, girls and young women can develop the strength, confidence and discipline to achieve any goal they set - a skill-set that can transform them into self-reliant, thriving women. And running is a foundation skill for so many other sports.

“Games and sports enables a person to be flexible, tolerant, courageous and conscious about your purpose as a human being.  It also emphasizes leadership in all corners of life. I am now able to speak with no fear, and lead a group with justice -  sports has played such a big role in this.”

        – URDT student Florence Ngonzi, age 15

Since the girls set and met the challenge of their 14K run in the spring of 2008, their active participation in running and sports has been flourishing and is playing  a central  role in their learning and development as leaders.

Canadian Women’s Marathon Champion Tara Quinn-Smith is an avid suporter of Runners4Runners.

We call on our fellow runners and sports enthusiasts across the globe to help us nurture the development of independent women through participation in sports.

Fundraising for Runner4Runners is easy and fun!

If you're interested in helping the dauntless girls and young women of URDT, we have all the tools you’ll need. You can participate or sponsor others runners in already-scheduled local runs or other fundraising events you choose during 2009, and invite others to join or support you in your commitment.

You may want to support a local cause as well as Runners4Runners. For example, if you plan to do a fundraising run for a local hospital, you can add this too. The two are complementary – supporting important causes where you live,  and the girls school in Uganda.

Participate individually

Participate in local running events coming up this season, or other fundraising activities, and donate your proceeds to the Girls School.

Start your own team

Coordinate a team to participate in upcoming local runs this spring, summer or fall. Your friends, family and colleagues may donate to your efforts or join your team. You might also consider other community events such as walk-a-thons.

Using our online gift tool you can customize your fundraising page to invite people to your event(s), provide logistics information, add photos, and send emails to friends and family asking them to pledge for you or donate to your event(s). You also can track how much has been raised.

Join a team

When you register using our gift tool, you will have the option to join an existing team.

Sponsor a friend or family member

Use our gift tool to find a person or team you would like to support.

NOTE:
In the United States, donations will be received by The African Food and Peace Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.

In Canada, The Tides Foundation - African Rural Development Fund will handle all donations. The sole purpose of both funds is to support URDT and the Girls School. Both issue tax receipts.