For 20 years runners have been participating in the London Marathon for Kith & Kids, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds. Each year it is our single biggest fundraising event and we pride ourselves on the support we give to our team.
The marathon itself is a world-famous event attracting thousands of spectators and runners alike. Trust us when we say that running a marathon is an absolutely life-changing experience – once you run the 26.2 miles you'll never forget it! And what's more, it's an event that all your family and friends can enjoy and get involved in, from helping you to fundraise to supporting you on the day.
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Starting in Greenwich Park at 9:45am and finishing at The Mall taking you through the City, Canary Wharf, along the Embankment and past Westminster. A historic race, mostly along the River Thames, you'll have the chance to run pass many iconic sights.
How we support you
Once you sign up with us we send you a fundraising pack which includes a…
On the day we have a post-marathon party where your family and friends can all meet you. And you get a massage to relax your weary legs! Oh and don't forget we'll be cheering you along all the way.
Date
Sunday 26th April 2020
Location
London – Starting in Greenwich Park
Registration Fee
£100 deposit (this is refundable once you reach your minimum fundraising target)
Sponsorship
£1600 minimum
Age
18+
Fundraising
The trick is to break it down and plan ahead. The earlier you start the more you will raise. Simple really. And tell everyone you know that you are running the marathon for Kith & Kids. Don't be shy! The more people you get on board, the easier it is for you.
For more ideas and advice we will send you a pack when you join!
Martin Unerman and Stuart Sampson having been running the London Marathon for Kith & Kids since 2003. Between them they have raised a phenomenal amount of money. Here's why and how they kept coming back to Kith & Kids!
When did you decide to run for Kith & Kids and why?
Martin: I decided to run for Kith & Kids because I wanted to support a smaller charity that was doing great work while not being overburdened with unnecessary admin costs. I had already run for another charity in 2002 and I have now run five times for Kith & Kids. I keep coming back because it's worthwhile and the support we receive from the Kith & Kids team is second to none.
Stuart: I also wanted to run for a smaller charity, where the sponsorship raised would make more of an impact and a difference to those it was trying to help. I particularly wanted it to be a children's charity and with my wife being a qualified special needs teacher Kith & Kids was an ideal charity. 2003 was my first marathon and now, including the one a couple weeks ago, I have run 7 times! Apart from the personal sense of achievement, you do get a tremendous high from being part of the amazing experience that is the London Marathon. The support of everyone from start to finish is amazing. Once you've experienced that you want to experience it again.
How do your family & friends feel about you running for Kith & Kids (time and time again?!)
M: My family, in principle, is very happy and supportive…in practice they do get a bit fed-up with the time commitments that the training demands!
S: I think they are all very proud and pleased to be associated with it. My whole family really enjoy being part of the day each and every time I've run. For some they even ask me if I'm running again each year as I think it's their way of being able to contribute to a worthwhile charity, whilst at the same time showing that support to me personally.
Tell us your best and worst moments…
M: The best moment was finishing with Stuart in 2007 which was the first run after I had had heart surgery and also my Mum passing away…it was very emotional for me. The worst moment has to be having to defer from the 2012 marathon due to injury only five weeks before the run.
S: Crossing that finish line is always the best moment, but the very first time was the most emotional. I never thought I could run a marathon and now, including one in New York, I've done it 8 times!!! The one in 2008 was very satisfying as it was a personal goal achieve in running under 4 and half hours for the first time. 2011 was the worst one. After the half way mark I just felt empty and then had to run/walk another 13 miles as there was no way I wasn't going to finish.
Give us a running and fundraising tip to give to other runners.
M: Run, run, run and Ask, ask, ask!
S: Try and follow a tried and tested Marathon running schedule and stick to it religiously. I've followed one by an American called Hal Higdon who has run over 100 marathons. If you do the training mileage you know when you get to that start line you've got the best possible chance of seeing the finish line too. As for a fundraising tip……nag, nag and nag some more and never get tired of telling people you are doing it. You'll be amazed at the number of people who'll be in awe of you and want to support you and the charity.
So why run the London Marathon?
M: It can be a defining moment in your life and once you have done it (even once) you will always have the achievement to remember.
S: If I can run a marathon anyone can. The hard bit is making that commitment to do it, but it'll be one of the most personal rewarding things you'll ever do in life.
Inspired? Contact us to enquire about places in the London Marathon.
