London Marathon
Congratulations to all of our 2008 runners who completed this year's marathon!! Thank you from all of us at WaterAid!
You can view pictures from the day on Flickr. Please contact us for permission to use these photos for anything other than personal use.
Run the 2009 London Marathon for WaterAid!
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| Running for WaterAid in 2007 |
| Photo credit: Oli Stewart |
The 2009 London Marathon will be held on Sunday 26 April.
With over 35,000 runners taking to the streets of London it is one of the world's most prestigious and exciting sporting events.
This year we had a team of 100 participants running for WaterAid. The team raised around £100,000 - enough to provide over 6,650 people with life-changing clean water, effective sanitation and hygiene education.
In 2009 we aim to do even better and we need your help! Millions of people around the world face a daily marathon just to collect water. Every step you run with WaterAid brings those people closer to safe water and a better quality of life.
In return for your dedication and commitment to the marathon, WaterAid will be there to support you every step of the way with your preparations.
On this page:
>>What you receive as part of the WaterAid Team
>>Exclusive training day for all WaterAid runners
>>The fundraising challenge
>>How to apply for a place in the 2009 London Marathon
>>Own place runners
>>Past and present WaterAid runners spill the beans
What you will receive as part of the WaterAid team
In return for your dedication and commitment to the marathon, WaterAid will be there to support you every step of the way during your preparations. WaterAid runners receive:
- An online sponsorship page
- A dedicated monthly WaterAid Team newsletter including tips on training and nutrition, fundraising advice and runners' stories
- A thorough fundraising information pack and running tips leaflet
- Access to our fundraising internet resources, containing a vast array of fundraising ideas and support materials
- Continuous advice and support from WaterAid's experienced events team
- A coveted WaterAid running vest!
- The opportunity to run in a WaterAid costume such as a WaterAid toilet, tap or a camel!
- A festive post-race party where participants can meet their supporters, receive a well deserved sports massage and refuel on refreshments!
- An exclusive training day for WaterAid runners, hosted by a personal trainer, with a practical session and tips on training, nutrition, pacing, and timing
Marathon training day
We ran our first training day in February 2008, and it was a huge success. Everyone was inspired and motivated by the session, and left feeling excited and confident about the big day!
Simon Burden, personal trainer from Active Interest, did a great job of sharing his knowledge of marathon running, giving some useful training tips and a practical session on the running track - making sure everyone felt reassured and excited about the big day!
Just a week before setting off for his Sport Relief challenge, James Cracknell also took some time out to advise our runners. His top tip was, "Don't take last minute advice from strangers in the queue for the toilet!" When James took part in the marathon last year, someone in the queue for the toilet suggested he run really fast for the first stretch as it was down hill which turned out to be a big mistake! Last minute advice isn't always helpful so stick to what you know and what you're used to.
Check out a slideshow of the training day
Cecilia Owen:
"Personally, I found the track session really useful and it was a great way of assessing our planned pace for the day. I definately feel more motivated and excited since talking to other marathon runners. Not long to go but I am confident now that I can do it!"
Jon Giles:
"There are lots of elements to consider when training, and it seems the one I've been neglecting is slow, paced running; this will be my mainstay for the next few weeks - dull but worth it on the day I'm sure.
"Thank you ever so much to everyone involved in helping us through this, all your efforts really are very much appreciated! I hope to see you all again on the big day!"
The fundraising challenge
For many, completing the marathon is only half the challenge; fundraising takes some effort too. For those new to fundraising, Clemmie Perowne of Norwich has some reassuring words:
"I was so impressed with all the back-up, support and advice that WaterAid offered its runners. I loved the newsletter - which always boosted my motivation during training, as did the special section on the website. They were all so efficient too! I was so impressed by the lightning speed in which they responded to my emails and other enquiries."
Shaun Birdsall from Peterborough adds:
"Do It! WaterAid has been great, especially as I did not sign up until 2 weeks before the event. I will be, and already have been, recommending them. Several people, whom I vaguely know, sponsored me large amounts because they were impressed with the 77p of every pound that goes directly to the charitable causes, and not admin."
How to apply for a place in the 2009 London Marathon
There are two ways to apply for next year's marathon, and we encourage you to apply for a place via the ballot as well as through WaterAid.
1. London Marathon Online Ballot
This year, all ballot entries will be via the online entry form. The ballot opens on 13 April 2008 at www.london-marathon.co.uk . The ballot will close on the 5 September 2008, or when 120,000 applications have been received, so be quick!
2. Apply for a WaterAid place
To apply for one of our charity places we ask for you to set a fundraising target of £1,500. In return for this WaterAid will be there to support you every step of the way, providing regular support including news and information, training advice, fundraising ideas and lots of cheering! To be considered for one of WaterAid's charity places, please click on the orange button below:
Please note that we only have a limited number of places. For this reason we urge you to also apply for a place via the ballot.
If you are lucky enough to secure your own place in the 2009 Flora London Marathon, we'd be delighted for you to join our team and raise as much sponsorship as you can for WaterAid. To register for WaterAid please click on the orange button below:
We provide regular support for all the WaterAid team members including training advice, fundraising ideas and lots of cheering on the day.
To find out more contact the Events team by emailing events@wateraid.org or phoning 0845 6000 433.
Past and present WaterAid runners spill the beans
WaterAid's own Gregor Peterson tells all: Hear about how he handled the trials, tribulations and great rewards of running the 2008 marathon.
Jeremy King from London ran the marathon last year wearing one of our bucket head costumes:
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| Bucket-head runner Jeremy King |
| Photo credit: Peter Bennett |
"Very many thanks indeed to you and all of the WaterAid team for a fantastic day. Your support throughout was magnificent and the finishing party (especially the massage) was superb. It was also great to meet other runners and to talk through the run."
When asked about running with a bucket on his head:
"It was actually really quite comfortable! I almost forgot about it entirely after about five miles, other than the stream of comments from the crowd, such as 'Don't kick the bucket, you're looking a little pail!'"
Get in touch
For more information or details about our London Marathon team or any other events please contact WaterAid Events on 0845 6000 433 or email events@wateraid.org.
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