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Behind the Cheer Points. Supporting Runners Every Step of the Way: With Kara Hopgood
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
In the latest Sapphire Running Zone podcast, Tim Rogers sits down with Kara Hopgood from the Southern Hospice Group to explore the powerful intersection of running, fundraising, and community support. From first-time races to managing large teams of charity runners, Kara offers a heartfelt look into what it really takes to support people taking on endurance challenges for a cause.
HAVE A LISTEN TO THE PODCAST HERE
From First Run to Fundraising Leader
Kara’s journey into running began like many others: inspired by someone close to her.
After watching a friend complete the London Marathon, Kara took her first steps into the sport and soon completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon, her first race. That experience didn’t just spark a personal passion; it transformed how she approaches her role supporting charity runners.
“It genuinely switched my perspective massively… it gave me a first-hand experience of what our runners go through.”
That empathy now shapes everything: from communication to logistics to the emotional support offered along the way.
The Power of Cheer Points in supporting runners
One of the biggest themes of the conversation is the importance of charity cheer points: those loud, colourful pockets of encouragement on race day. They’re not just about noise and visibility. They’re about connection, motivation, and showing runners they’re not alone.
“We make that promise… that we’re going to support them right from the beginning, right to the end.”
From early morning setups and securing prime locations to coordinating volunteers and spotting runners in a crowd, there’s a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work involved. But the payoff is worth it: a boost at exactly the moment a runner needs it most. Kara highlights how these moments can reignite purpose during the toughest miles:
“You see the charity cheer point just in the distance… and it gives you that reminder of why you signed up in the first place.”
The Logistics Behind the Magic
Race-day support might look effortless, but it’s anything but. For events like the Brighton Half Marathon, Kara and her team coordinate:
Dozens of runners (86 this year)
Volunteer recruitment and training
Strategic cheer point placement
Early morning setup (often before sunrise)
Post-race support, from snacks to massages
Even securing a spot can be competitive—especially at major events like the London Marathon, where charities compete for high-visibility locations like Tower Bridge.
The goal? Be seen, be heard, and be there until the very last runner passes.
Fundraising: Start Early, Think Creatively
Beyond the physical challenge, fundraising adds another layer of pressure for participants.
Kara emphasises the importance of starting early and spreading the effort over time. Social media remains a powerful tool, but today’s most successful fundraisers are going beyond simple donation links. From workplace initiatives to pub gigs and daily training vlogs, creativity is key and it’s paying off. Many of Kara’s Brighton runners didn’t just meet their targets, they doubled them.
A Community Effort
What stands out most from this conversation is the sense of community. Cheer points bring together:
Runners
Families and friends
Volunteers
Even strangers who join in on the day
It’s a shared experience built on encouragement, purpose, and collective energy.
And for Kara, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-time runner or a seasoned fundraiser, this episode is a reminder that no one completes these challenges alone. Behind every medal is a network of support; people who show up early, stay late, and cheer the loudest when it matters most. And sometimes, that’s exactly what gets you to the finish line.
If you'd to run for Southern Hospice Group and get the support that Kara and her team offer then head here for more information. There are three hospices: Chestnut Tree House, Martlets and St Barnabas House.
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