The Global Cement Run is a global 10km race for all participants in the global cement industry (and their friends and family), in aid of humanity, organised by Global Cement Magazine. Runners run 10km, anywhere around the world, during the period of 13 - 21 April 2013. Runners raise money to help alleviate global hunger or to provide clean water to developing nations.

During the race period (13-21 April - which includes BAUMA, the IEEE-IAS/PCA conference in Florida and also the London Marathon), just run 10k - somewhere in the world. Try and measure it as accurately as you can! Raise some sponsorship and donate it to your local charitable organisation that seeks to alleviate hunger in the world or to provide clean water. If you can, get your company to match your donation to charity.

Email your results to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by the end of 21 April 2013. Include your name, the location of your run, your age on the day of your run and the amount that you have raised for charity. If you can, include a photo of you on the run, and a link to a Garmin trace (or similar) of your run route. These will all be published on-line at www.GlobalCement.com. We’ll especially honour the fastest 10k run (the course has to be accurately measured - eg by a GPS - for this prize) and also the highest total raised for charity. Remember, you are competing against the rest of the global cement industry for honour and glory. However, we hope that you will also take the opportunity to visit new places, new paths, new trails and make new friends during the Global Cement Run.

You could even consider organising a local race for your colleagues. Never organised a race before? Here's all the information you need on how to organise a race!

I don’t know if we will have 1, 10, 100 or 1000 participants in our first Global Cement Run. Whatever - it only takes 2 to have a race!

Let’s get started!

I realise that not everyone reading this is already a runner, but don’t let that stop you. Running 10km is within everyone’s grasp. You only have to want to do it and - provided you take the first step - it will eventually happen.

If you want to start running, the very best way to start is by walking. Make sure that you are happy to walk for half an hour at a reasonably stiff pace without stopping before you take the next step towards running… which is jogging! Jogging can be very slow, perhaps not even faster than a brisk walk, but you are starting to get the ‘running’ action going. If you get tired or out of breath, stop jogging but don’t stop moving… just walk until you are ready to give jogging another go. Try jogging at your own pace for a few minutes at a time and gradually string together your jogging interludes and reduce your walking interludes. Once you can jog for half an hour without stopping, you are practically a runner!

Running includes everything from sub-4-minute miles to 12 and 15 minute miles - the range of speeds is huge. If you enjoy it, make sure you get some decent running shoes (they don’t have to be expensive). You can run alone or with a group of friends and co-workers (join a club - you won’t regret it), you can chat while you run or jog along, you can explore your local countryside and you’ll certainly get some fresh air. Stay safe while you are out - buy some high-visibility clothing and a head-torch if you are out in the dark.

Give running a go - it will add another dimension to your life.

Good luck in your preparation for the inaugural Global Cement Run!

Rob McCaffrey - Global Cement