Running for Their Lives; New Mexico's "Born to Run" Generates Awareness, Enthusiasm, and Funds for the Pro-Life Cause.

Conceived during a jog along the Rio Grande River, Right to Life Committee of New Mexico's "Born to Run" event has raised over $20,000 in just two years. And as "Born to Run" Committee Chair Leroy Chavez puts it, "the money raised is only half the story."

You are no doubt familiar with the plethora of charity runs and walk-a-thons out there. They raise money and awareness for every cause imaginable - - for breast cancer research, domestic violence prevention programs, the local zoo - - the list goes on and on. Chavez, a member of Right to Life Committee of New Mexico's board of directors, figured, "if 6,000 or so people would come out and run and raise money for animals, surely we could attract several hundred (or thousands of) people to help save unborn babies." Charity runs are safe bets to attract a good crowd since running is the most popular activity for physical health. Its appeal is widespread.

A pro-life charity run also gives people an opportunity to actively participate in the pro-life movement when they may not do so in traditional ways, This also taps into the enthusiasm and energy of younger people. Twenty-, thirty-, and forty-somethings participate in charity runs in large numbers. These are exactly the age groups we need to bring into more active involvement in the pro-life movement.

As Chavez corroborated, "The intangible benefits of this event cannot be overstated."

"The greater impact [of the `Born to Run'] was the exposure that the Right to Life Committee of New Mexico, and the Right to Life cause in general, received from this event," he explained. "There are undoubtedly people who, even if they did not participate, saw our posters and registration forms and became aware of our organization's existence. [There are also] people who became new members."

Chavez started by gathering a committee of 10 "diehard" volunteers who worked diligently for over a year to plan a professional 5k run/walk and 1 mile run/walk event. They made the decision to hire a race promoter from a local sporting goods store to design the race course and timing.

In addition to having someone with expertise available, hiring a race director gives the event instant credibility. Also, a professional can offer valuable advice when it comes to obtaining city permits and other details which ...