Run for Haiti

Following the earthquake that decimated Haiti on January 12, people around the world have mobilized to help in a variety of ways. Runners are finding their own way to respond to the tragedy, turning to the sport they love to take action. From fun runs to marathons, here is a roundup of ways you can run for Haiti. Even if you're not able to participate in one of these races, most will accept donations through their Web sites.

Not up to running 30 miles for charity? No problem -- ultra marathoner Trish Short is, and you can sponsor her. Short will be running 30 miles on a treadmill on Saturday, January 30th at the Firstenburg Community Center in Vancouver. Short is raising on behalf of the Three Angels Children's Relief, which supports an orphanage, school and medical clinic in Haiti and has been helping orphans come to the U.S. since the quake.

Running Free and Runners Den, two independent southern Ontario, Canada running shops, have banded together to put on two training runs for charity. There is no set entry fee. Instead, runners should pay what they can. Both runs will take place on Saturday, January 30 -- one in Toronto and the other in Hamilton. Walkers are welcome.

Participants in the upcoming Miami marathon and half marathon on Sunday, January 31, who aren't attached to a charity are being encouraged to join Team World Vision, which has been providing aid to Haiti since the hurricanes of 2008, but has increased its efforts in the wake of the earthquake. To join the team and gain entry in the race, you must make a donation equal to or greater than the entry fee.

The Chevy Chase Running Company is hosting a six-mile fundraising run on Saturday, February 6. Each runner will be asked to contribute a minimum of $5, which will be donated to the American Red Cross.

Run Kansas City is hosting a Run for Haiti Relief 5K on February 6. Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to help support their efforts in Haiti.

The Haitian Education Project, a Florida nonprofit, is collaborating with the Tampa Bay for Haiti Coalition and Starbucks Wesley Chapel to host a 5K walk/run and one-mile fun run on February 6. Race proceeds will be allocated for immediate relief efforts to Haiti.

On Saturday, February 13, the Auburn Opelika Running and Track Club in Alabama is hosting a 5K/1-mile run to raise money for Save the Children. In addition, they will be collecting new and gently worn T-shirts and running shoes to send to Haiti.

Potomac River Running is holding a Run for Haiti 5K and Fun Run in Reston, Virginia, also on February 13. Race proceeds will be donated to the Haiti relief efforts and in lieu of a race T-shirt, they ask that you bring a T-shirt to be delivered to Haiti's needy by Moise Joseph, a Haitian Olympian in the 800-meter and a Potomac River employee.

Okay, it's not a run, but the Hyatt Regency Sarasota is hosting a walk over the John Ringling Bridge on Saturday, February 20, to raise money for relief efforts in Haiti. Registration fees and donations go to the Southwest Florida Chapter of the Red Cross.

The New York Road Runners and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation are co-sponsoring a four-mile run and walk in Central Park on Saturday, February 20. All entry fees will go to New York City's Haiti Relief Fund, which directs 100 percent of its donations to reputable organizations providing relief in Haiti.

Running a trail in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania this summer will help raise funds for Healing Hands for Haiti, a non-profit that collects and donates medical equipment, devices, prosthetic hands and feet and organizes volunteer trips for medical personnel. The organization's own Port-au-Prince clinic was reduced to rubble in the earthquake, but they are still working to provide medical support to the needy. Donate now or join the race on June 12.

New runs to support relief efforts in Haiti are added all the time. Check with your favorite local running clubs and shops to see how they're getting involved.

Here are some other ways you can help Haiti.