Frequently asked questions
General
What is Raise Your Run?
Raise Your Run is our yearly running challenge. Simply choose the distance you want to run, according to your fitness level, then set a fundraising goal. You have the whole of September to complete your challenge and you can take part on your own, or have a shared goal with a team.
It doesn't matter where you live or how fit you are. Running regularly will help you raise your fitness levels and at the same time, you'll raise urgently needed funds for people struggling with bad housing or homelessness.
What distance do I need to cover?
Of course, were not suggesting you run the distance all at once. You can run a couple of kilometres (km) every day for 30 days, or just pick a few days in the month to run longer distances. Depending on your fitness levels, we suggest the following distances: 30km, 50km, 70km, 100km or 150km+. We'll ask you to input your distance when signing up, but you can change this at any time on your fundraising page. You can track your distance manually or connect your page to Strava, which will update your kilometres automatically on your page.
Do you have any running tips?
Our fitness coach, Shaun, has put together a great running guide. You’ll find lots of useful information about running and bespoke monthly plans for your chosen distance.
How do I track my distance (via Strava or manually)?
You can link your fundraising page to the Strava App (which will track your runs automatically) following these easy steps:
- Log in to your account via the Raise Your Run website here
- Select 'My Page'
- Scroll down to 'The Latest' section
- Hit the orange ‘connect to strava' button
Alternatively, you can add your distance manually by following these steps:
- Click on the ‘Log fitness’ button on your page. Please note: if you cannot see this button, you are not logged in
- Enter the details of your runs and the date
- Click ‘Log fitness’
How do I edit my page and update my story?
- Make sure you are logged in to your account by clicking on the 'Log In' button top right on the Raise Your Run website.
- Sign in with details you used when you signed up
- Click 'Edit Page' button at the bottom left hand side of your page
- Edit your page where you can update your fitness goal, your story or picture.
How do I update the fitness target on my fundraising page?
- Make sure you are logged in to your account by clicking on the 'Log In' button top right on the Raise Your Run website.
- Sign in with details you used when you signed up
- Click 'Edit Page' button at the bottom left hand side of your page
- Edit your page where you can update your fitness goal, your story or picture.
Can I walk?
Yes! You can choose a distance to walk throughout the month of September if you prefer, or combine both walking or running.
How do I connect with other runners?
Please join the Raise Your Run Facebook group, which we're encouraging everyone who is taking part to join. This is a great place to share your progress with fellow supporters, as well as words of encouragement. Our fitness coach will also post tips and host question and answer sessions.
Plus, share your stories and photos on social media using the hashtag #RaiseYourRun to connect with others!
Registration
How much does it cost to sign up?
It's free to sign up for Raise Your Run. We just ask you to fundraise as part of the challenge. There is no minimum sponsorship amount to reach, but we suggest a fundraising goal of £120, which could help pay for legal advice that helps a family in crisis keep their home.
When will I get my Running Guide?
We will send you a link to your running guide in your welcome email, after you register. This will also contain everything you need to complete the challenge throughout September. You can also download it now, if you'd like.
How old do I have to be to take part?
Raise Your Run is open to anyone who is 16 or over, if you are under 16, please ask a parent or guardian to register you and get in touch with us directly on raiseyourrun@shelter.org.uk.
How do I create a team?
You can share your fundraising and fitness goal with friends or family as part of a team - the more the merrier! After you have registered, you'll have the option to create a team. Simply click the red 'Create a team' button. You'll then be able to edit the team name, fundraising target and add your story.
How do I join a team?
After you've registered, you'll see the option to join a team. Simply click the 'Join a team' button and search for the team name you want to join.
How do I get a running top?
If you've requested a free running top when you registered, we'll send it to you once you reach £50 or more of your fundraising target. Please note that it can take up to 7 working days to receive your t-shirt and that we won't be able to send you an alternative size (you can ask someone on the Facebook group if they will swap sizes with you).
Wear your top with pride and show the world you're going the extra mile to fight housing injustice.
Fundraising advice and tools
How do I access my fundraising page?
To access your fundraising page so you can share, edit and update your running distance simply follow these steps:
- Make sure you are logged in to your account by clicking on the 'Log In' button top right of the Raise Your Run website.
- Click on ‘My Page’ in the top right-hand corner
To edit your page simply select the 'Edit Page' button at the bottom left hand side of your page
How much do I have to raise?
We're truly grateful for however much you can raise for us. We do encourage all runners to raise a minimum of £120, but aim high! You'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
How do I raise money?
We recommend fundraising through your JustGiving page, which will be automatically created once you have registered.
For more info and ideas on how to spread the word, please check out our Fundraising Guide. You'll also get a copy of this in your welcome email.
Where does my money go?
The funds you raise will help us fight the housing emergency. They could go towards raising issues of housing standards for renters, raising awareness of the many reasons people lose their homes, and raising more help and support for the thousands of households that are made homeless every year.
What happens if I don’t raise £120?
Don't worry, just raise as much as you can.
We’re here to support you with your fundraising as much as we can, so please do get in touch at raiseyourrun@shelter.org.uk.
Does Gift Aid count towards my fundraising target?
No. Unfortunately, Gift Aid doesn't count. However, please encourage your donors to include Gift Aid in their donations. It's a fantastic way to help us raise extra funds and be there for more people who are struggling with their housing.
My question isn’t covered here. Who do I contact?
Please email raiseyourrun@shelter.org.uk and we’ll be more than happy to help.