It was a passion for running and a story in a newspaper that provided the inspiration for a concept that clearly gives new meaning to the term "run with a good idea". As Director of the Royal Victoria Marathon Festival of Running, Rob Reid dreamed of partnering the marathon event with a charity.

"Running is a passion for many of us" says Rob, "It defines us. Uniting our energies for the sport and our collective wills to help those in need can bring about a healthier world."

After reading about the plight of Tibetan people in a story that appeared in the Globe and Mail in 1998, Rob knew he had found his cause.

He contacted Judy Tethong. Judy was not only the spouse of T.C. Tethong, foreign minister for the exiled Tibetan government, but also a recipient of the Order of Canada for her work with the Dhalai Lama in Dharmsala, India. After meeting with Judy, Rob decided that the Tibetan Children's Village in Dharmsala was just the right charity to partner with the Victoria Marathon. The children needed help and the runners were ready.

The marathon-charity idea was a success and interest grew— the concept of runners combining energies for a common good had certain appeal. Linking runners to a variety of social issues and charitable causes seemed like a logical next step and thus, Runners of Compassion was born.

Soon, local YM-YWCA fitness coordinator, Tim Majocha, and Y director Bill Taylor heard about the organization and offered their support. Runners from different running clubs joined in. Other charities were added to the list.

Today, Runners of Compassion is comprised of a membership as diverse as their individual running abilities. A core group of volunteers meet regularly to discuss funding allocations and tend to operational requirements. Members participate in numerous running events and marathons and are easily recognized by the groups brightly coloured logo emblazoned on their running gear. The logo, featuring a runner, the globe and a heart are set against the colours of the Tibetan flag.

Runners of Compassion invites others to get involved. Start a chapter in your town or city—share your ideas— whatever your cause, remember, so much can be accomplished when anyone sets foot and runs with a good idea.

For information about starting a chapter, please see: Starting a RoC Chapter