The charity runner package

A runner with their own place in the Flora London Marathon will be welcomed with open arms – regardless of which charity they choose to run for.

The charity will normally provide you with the same support package as their own ‘charity place’ or ‘golden bond’ runners. This adds a great boost to your motivation to train, as you really won’t want to let them down! And remember: you won’t have the same fundraising pressure as the ‘charity place’ runners – who usually have to raise in excess of £1,500.

Your chosen charity will do the utmost to look after you from the outset with a complete package to support you throughout both your fundraising and training.

A typical package could include any of the following:

• Fundraising pack including fundraising tips
• Expert training plan
• Running vest or t-shirt
• Regular newsletters
• Runner's goody bag
• Support from one of the charity’s local campaigners
• Information on how to use online fundraising to help you hit your target
• Runner’s chat online discussion group
• Carbo-load party the day before the race
• Great support from cheering squads at key stages around the course
• Post-marathon receptions including complimentary sports massage

Obviously what each charity provides will vary and some have teams of both runners and supporters on the day which are significantly larger than others. Many factors can come into play when choosing a charity to run for, although if you have no real preference, you might want to think whether you want to be part of a large team of runners (who sometimes number well in excess of 1,000) or whether you want to be part of a smaller team.

Ultimately having secured your own ballot place, the choice will be yours – and it’s guaranteed that your chosen charity will support you throughout the whole experience.