The London Marathon

THE CHARITY SIDE OF THE FLORA LONDON MARATHON

There is no other marathon in the world that comes close to the Flora London Marathon in its mass appeal as a charity fundraising event. Tens of thousands of individuals, many novice runners, take up the marathon challenge in order to raise funds for charities close to their hearts.

THE UK’s NUMBER ONE ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT

A survey of runners in the 2000 Flora London Marathon revealed that £24 million was raised through this year’s event, with 76% of the field running for charity. The survey, carried out biennially, shows a massive increase on the £15 million raised in 1998 to £24 million in 2000, firmly placing the Race in the number one spot for annual fundraising events in the UK. 

Campbell Robb, Head of Campaigns at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations added: “Once again the general public has shown their enormous commitment, by raising record funds for hundreds of charities. The Flora London Marathon's unique character has enabled those from all walks of life and of all abilities to take part in a fun event, that will considerably help to sustain and continue the important work of many voluntary organisations and charities into the future." 

Another contributing factor is the massive amount of time and energy invested by the charities themselves to recruit runners and then to help and support them through their training and the race itself and importantly with their fundraising. Charities large and small benefit from the fundraising efforts of their runners. 

For the lesser known charities with little public recognition the Flora London Marathon offers a high profile national event in which they can fundraise and get themselves seen. For many it is a guaranteed annual income that can be built into budgets. 

It is the charity runners that make the Flora London Marathon so unique, no other marathon in the world has such a successful charity aspect. London is characterised by the array of colourful fancy dress runners and those wearing charity t-shirts with names emblazoned on them. 

Race day is a showcase for human spirit and commitment - thousands of individuals come together for one day to not only prove to themselves (and their families, friends and colleagues) that they can run the distance, but for a majority to also help raise funds for their favourite charities.

Year of Charity	% of Runners fundraising	Amount raised
1996	64%	£ 10 million
1998	76%	£15.7 million
2000	76%	£ 24 million

Figures are calculated from the results of the exit poll at the 2000 Flora London Marathon registration exhibition.

76% of those surveyed were raising funds for charity and gave projected figures for the amount they were raising.

This figure was cross-referenced with a number of charities to compare predicted and actual fund raising from previous years and adjusted accordingly.

The figure of £24 million is made up of the calculated amount raised by runners in the 2000 Flora London Marathon and the amount given in grants by the London Marathon Charitable Trust to the London community, the annual surplus from the London Marathon Ltd.

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Join WaterAid's Running Water team in the Flora London Marathon 2003

On Sunday 13 April 2003, over 40,000 runners will be taking to the streets of London in one of the world's most prestigious marathon events. Last year some eighty participants ran for WaterAid in our largest team ever. This year we aim to do even better.

By joining the WaterAid Running Water team you can help make a difference to some of the poorest people in the world living without safe water or sanitation, many of whom face a daily marathon just to collect water. Our runners receive a WaterAid team running vest, support and guidance, training tips and advice, a regular team newsletter and post race party with their supporters with sports massage, showers and lunch.

So if you are up to the challenge and interested in joining the Running Water team please email events@wateraid.org.uk or call 020 7793 4500 to find out more. Every step you run with WaterAid brings poor people closer to safe water, sanitation and a better quality of life.

Charity registration number 288701

WaterAid
Prince Consort House
27-29 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7UB

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PLEASE NOTE WE ARE NOT THE ORGANISERS OR SPONSORS OF THE RACE

The Official London Marathon web-site

Charities