Today we would like to introduce you to Nicole Hampton & Charmaine Carter.
Hi Ladies, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Our journey with PACE Run for a Cause began with a simple realization: we knew what we loved. We loved connecting with people, we loved organizing events, and we definitely loved living a healthy lifestyle. For years, we’d been the unsung heroes of fitness and health awareness events – the ones behind the scenes making sure everything ran smoothly. We were comfortable in the background, our passion fueled by serving others. We where looking to bring the community together; we wanted to make a difference.
But something was missing. We had all this experience, all this passion, and we wanted to make a difference for those with invisible disbabilities. We saw the potential to do more, to create something ourselves, but the leap from supporting role to leading felt daunting.
Then, one day, Charmaine had an epiphany. “We can do this!” she declared. “We have the experience, we know what it takes to bring these visions to life!” And just like that, PACE was born. Okay, maybe not just like that. The initial stages were…let’s just say “interesting.” We started by calling in favors from friends. Some were incredibly helpful, offering their expertise with open arms. Others…well, let’s just say their enthusiasm outweighed their professional skills. (Free advice: sometimes you get what you pay for!). It was a chaotic mix of well-meaning support and slightly confusing contributions, but it was our chaos.
Through countless conversations, advice from mentors, and a whole lot of brainstorming, things started to click. Slowly but surely, a brand began to take shape. We poured our hearts and souls into it, each of us contributing equally to the vision. We focused on creating something that resonated with us, something that would draw people in and inspire them to join our mission: helping those with invisible disabilities while staying fit. PACE wasn’t just a run; it is a community, a movement, a chance to make a real impact. And it all started with a simple “We can do this!” and a whole lot of heart.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While we had experience in the background of events, running our own event, especially a non-profit, was a different ballgame. We had to learn the ins and outs of permits, insurance, marketing, and all the other logistical details that go into organizing a successful event. There was a steep learning curve, and we made our share of mistakes along the way.
We started PACE with limited resources, relying heavily on bootstrapping. Securing funding was a constant struggle, requiring us to be resourceful and make tough choices about where to allocate our limited budget. This often meant sacrificing some of our initial “dream” ideas to stay within our means.
The fitness event landscape is crowded. One of our biggest challenges was defining what made PACE unique. We had to clearly articulate our mission and value proposition to stand out from the crowd and attract participants who resonated with our cause.
Relying on volunteers is essential for non-profits, but it also presents challenges. Coordinating schedules, delegating tasks, and ensuring everyone is aligned with the vision requires strong leadership and communication skills. We had to learn how to effectively recruit, train, and manage volunteers to maximize their contributions.
Inevitably, things didn’t always go according to plan. We faced unexpected setbacks, from funding-related issues to last-minute cancellations. Learning to be adaptable and problem-solve on the fly was crucial.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
PACE Run for a Cause isn’t just another 5K/10K run; it’s a movement built on the belief that fitness and philanthropy go hand-in-hand. We specialize in creating a truly community-centric running experience, one that empowers individuals to achieve their personal fitness goals while making a tangible difference in the lives of those with invisible disabilities. We’re known for our warm, welcoming atmosphere, our commitment to transparency, and our dedication to making a real impact.
What sets us apart? It’s our focus on connection. We don’t just organize a run; we build a community. We foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. We’re not just about miles; we’re about making memories and creating lasting change. We also pride ourselves on our transparency.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the sense of family we’ve cultivated. Our runners aren’t just participants; they’re part of the PACE family. They support each other, encourage each other, and celebrate each other’s achievements. That feeling of camaraderie and shared purpose is something we cherish and work hard to maintain.
What we want your readers to know is that PACE is more than just a 5K/10K run; it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves. It’s a chance to challenge themselves physically, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a real difference in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, we invite you to join the PACE family and experience the power of running for a cause. We offer various race distances to accommodate different fitness levels, and we’re always looking for volunteers and sponsors to help us expand our impact. Visit our website www.pacerunforacause.org to learn more about upcoming events, our charity partners, and how you can get involved. We believe everyone has the potential to make a difference, and PACE provides the platform to do just that, one stride at a time.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
The biggest source of happiness for PACE is witnessing the direct impact of our efforts. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those benefiting from the charities we support, hearing stories of lives changed, and knowing that our runners’ strides are making a tangible difference – that’s what truly fuels us. It’s the “why” behind everything we do.
Building a strong and supportive community is incredibly rewarding. Seeing runners of all levels come together, encourage each other, and celebrate each other’s achievements fills us with joy. We love witnessing the friendships forged, the sense of belonging fostered, and the shared passion for making a difference. It validates our belief in the power of collective action.
Whether someone is completing their first 5K or setting a new personal best, we’re thrilled to be a part of their journey. Their success inspires us and reinforces the positive impact of our event. Hearing positive feedback from our runners, volunteers, and sponsors is incredibly validating. Knowing that we’re creating a positive experience and making a difference in people’s lives is a huge motivator. It encourages us to keep improving and striving to make PACE even better.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pacerunforacause.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pacerunforacause_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PACErunforacause?mibextid=ZbWkwL
- Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/PACErunforacause?mibextid=ZbWkwL
- Other: https://www.raceentry.com/autism-shero-run/race-reviews
