Lima Half Marathon: Runners Unite for the Welfare of Vulnerable Animals

On August 25, the Lima Half Marathon will not only be the stage for a major sporting event but also a space where solidarity and love for animals will unite for a common purpose. Through the race's Charity Program, a group of dedicated runners has committed to raising funds for WUF, an organization that tirelessly works for the welfare of vulnerable dogs and cats. Among these runners is Mati Fiorani, a finance expert and owner of an adopted dog. Her personal story with Nachito, her canine companion for seven years, has been the driving force that motivated her to be part of this noble cause. “He is like a son to me, and I love him with all my heart,” she says with emotion. For her, WUF's Charity Program represents the perfect combination of her two passions: running and animal welfare. "I'm sure this won't be the last time I participate in such an initiative," she adds, excited about the experience. According to Mati, fundraising for WUF has been a challenging journey. At first, she struggled to convey the message of her purpose to friends and family, but once they understood the importance of the Charity Program, support quickly followed. “They even organized a little fundraiser for my birthday and donated to my cause,” she recalls, smiling at the gesture from her loved ones. This year, she will run for the second time in the Lima Half Marathon, aiming to enjoy the race more than to compete. In the same vein, Jesús Angulo joined WUF motivated by his love for animals. “This is my first time participating in a charitable initiative, and honestly, it has made the race much more special for me,” he comments. With eight years of running experience, Jesús has successfully mobilized his network to raise funds. “I've used my social media and reached out to close friends and family,” he explains, pleased to have surpassed his fundraising goal. His participation in the 21-kilometer distance will serve as preparation for the Buenos Aires Marathon he will run in September. Grecia Pacheco, an internal communications specialist, sees this event as a unique opportunity to contribute to the welfare of needy animals. “Running is not just a passion; it’s also a way to help others,” she states. With a history of participating in similar events, Grecia has worked hard to spread WUF's message to more people, although she has faced challenges in fundraising. "I'm sharing it on social media so that we can all contribute a little," she adds, hoping her efforts will inspire others. Despite not having pets of her own, Jorge Pereira has also eagerly joined this cause. For him, supporting WUF means not only raising funds but also raising awareness about the plight of vulnerable animals. “It adds even more motivation to every kilometer you run,” he points out. Thanks to the support of friends and coworkers, Jorge has found strong backing in his environment. With the expectation of it being his first official half marathon, he feels excited and grateful for the opportunity to contribute. The Lima Half Marathon has become an event that transcends the sporting realm, fostering solidarity and awareness about animal welfare. Each of these runners demonstrates that you don’t need to be an expert athlete to make a difference; you just need to have a passion and a purpose that motivates you. The union of their efforts and personal stories intertwines to create a positive impact on the lives of many animals waiting for a home. The participation of these runners in WUF highlights the importance of community in fundraising and supporting social causes. Through their efforts, they have built a bridge between sports and social commitment. The Lima Half Marathon, more than a competition, becomes a space of hope and love for those who cannot speak for themselves. On August 25, there will be more than just running in Lima; there will be running with heart. The goal will not only be to cross the finish line but also to create a change in the lives of many dogs and cats waiting for a second chance. The stories of these runners remind us that every step they take carries a deeper meaning, and that together, they can make the world a better place for all.