The INSIDER Summary:

• Hogwarts Running Club is a nonprofit organization that has virtual races to raise money for charities.
• Participants can complete the races at any location, any time, and any pace. 
• The club has grown in popularity with Harry Potter fans over the years.

Even though we *loved* the Harry Potter franchise as kids and teens, we’ve come to realize that there are certain life lessons from the series that we could only truly understand when we revisited Hogwarts as adults. As Rowling continues to inspire us to do good in the world to this day by giving the gift of magic to a young girl in Aleppo and sending an amazing gesture to a fan struggling with self-healing, it’s clear that the Harry Potter universe has done a lot of good for a lot of people. In fact, one new HP-themed running club is using the fandom to raise money for myriad charities… and so far they’ve donated over $800,000.

The Hogwarts Running Club is a nonprofit organization that holds virtual races to benefit charities focused on veterans, youth, literacy, animals, homelessness, the environment, and fighting diseases. Because each race is run individually, participants can literally complete them at any location, any time, and any pace. Heck, they can even break the race up into smaller runs over a few days if they’d like.

Their latest virtual race is inspired by the final fight against Voldemort’s Death Eaters and is aptly named the Unmasked 10 Mile “Run for Your Life” Event ($25). You can technically complete the race whenever you want, and it supports To Write Love on Her Arms, a charity dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. “Like the Death Eaters, mental illnesses are formidable foes,” the HRC observes. “But together we can unmask the epidemic and work towards victories large and small.”

Not only do you get to support this awesome cause when you register to run, but you also receive a few fandom-approved goodies. Along with a customized digital bib for the actual race, every participant wins a themed finisher’s medal and neck ribbon. And don’t be afraid if your wizardry loot doesn’t appear to come via owl. “To confuse muggles, we cast a unique spell on our owls to make them look like US Postal Service mail carriers,” the HRC explains. “This spell has the added benefit of sending a digital ‘howler’ to your email inbox with tracking information so you can monitor your owl’s progress.”

Whether you’re new to running or a marathon pro, this awesome virtual race will definitely help you get in shape for a good cause. Plus, it *totally* gives you an excuse to re-read all the books and binge-watch your fave movies. Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus!

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