Didn’t get into London Marathon via the ballot? Try these Charities
There is no getting round it, the London Marathon is one of the most famous marathons in the world and one of the hardest to get into. No doubt you are reading this because you are desperate to get into the marathon and probably have that friend that goes ‘I entered the ballot and got in, it was the worst day of my life’. It hurts, we know!
Anyway, to cheer you up, we want to share with you that there is still hope! So start thinking about that 16 week marathon training plan or maybe even a 20 week marathon training plan or perhaps you’re super confident and fancy a 12 week marathon training plan!
How can I still run London Marathon?
We’ve put together three charities who you can run the London Marathon for and with Coopah’s coaching plans, you have enough time to train for them with training plans ranging from 6 weeks to 24 weeks.
Big Issue
The Big Issue Foundation supports Big Issue Vendors to move forward, regain their independence and turn a livelihood into a life. Their work is not funded by the magazine - they rely on donors and fundraisers like London Marathon runners. On average, their London Marathon runners have each raised enough money to fund an entire month’s worth of support at one of their regional offices. And collectively, everyone who took part in an event in 2021 raised enough to enable them to expand their work into Scotland this year!
Big Issue have also partnered with Coopah, so whether it’s a 12 week training plan, a 16 week training plan or a 20 week training plan you are after, don’t worry! Big Issue go that extra mile to support you and here is Rhia Docherty, Mass Fundraising and Communications Manager on why:
‘We know London is an iconic event and for many a once in a lifetime experience. That’s why we have partnered with Coopah to ensure we are helping our supporters to have the best experience possible. By having a tailored training plan to suit your abilities, you are much more likely to achieve your race day goal whether you have a specific time in mind or you just want to make it to the end. We are giving all our London Marathon runners a free 6 month subscription to Coopah to help them get ready for race day.’
Another great thing about running with Big Issue is that Rhia on the Events team has completed the London Marathon twice. So she can provide insight and support with the event itself as well as providing fundraising support. With the right plan in place, it’s a lot more manageable to reach your fundraising target than you think!
Not sold enough? They also also provide you with a Big Issue Foundation running vest and organise a cheer squad for the day!
You can sign up to run for the Big Issue today!
Cardiomyopathy UK – join #TeamCardio
Cardiomyopathy UK are the specialist national charity for people affected by cardiomyopathy, an incurable life-limiting condition that affects the heart muscle and reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body. Cardiomyopathy affects people of all ages, including babies, and ongoing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pains and fatigue can make everyday life a struggle. For some, their symptoms will deteriorate and they may need a heart transplant.
Cardiomyopathy UK’s vision is a world where everyone affected by cardiomyopathy can live a long and full life. In pursuit of this vision, Cardiomyopathy UK raise awareness of the condition so that more people know the signs and symptoms and can be diagnosed early. They campaign to improve access to quality treatment that meets the needs of people with cardiomyopathy. They promote clinical research to advance the development of new treatments. And they support people affected by cardiomyopathy, every step of the way, through a helpline, information and support groups, so that nobody has to face cardiomyopathy alone.
The London Marathon is the charity’s biggest single fundraising event of the year, and you could be part of their team. By running the TCS London Marathon 2023 as part of #TeamCardio, you can save and improve the lives of people affected by cardiomyopathy, now and in the future.
Cardiomyopathy UK are providing their runners not only with several Marathon Day perks but with 1 month free on the Coopah app, so you can get your marathon training off to a brilliant start!
To join the team, visit www.cardiomyopathy.org/london2023 or contact fundraising@cardiomyopathy.org.
Muscular Dystrophy
We caught up with Krishan, who heads up the Events team at Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK), a national charity supporting over 110,000 people with muscle-wasting conditions. Krishan has a personal connection to the charity which we love and his passion for the charity really comes out every time we speak with him. Krishan even ran the London Marathon in 2018 and with the charity having 200 places available in 2023, we asked him for three reasons why running the London Marathon whilst raising funds for MDUK was in the top 3 moments of his life…
Being part of a team – Once you join MDUK’s team you join #TeamOrange. We have a supportive and experienced community with past runners and a MDUK team who guide you through your marathon experience. From regular contact through to meeting fellow runners at London Marathon Expo – you get to feel part of a team all running in the same direction. Now with our partnership with Coopah, our runners will get the tailor-made training support which will help you get a PB or complete the race comfortably. I would recommend at least a 16 week training plan but if you really don’t want to train for 16 weeks, a 12 week training plan with Coopah is still a good amount of time!
On the day experience – On marathon day itself #TeamOrange assembles for a photo at the baggage trucks and you get a stand out running vest which means you start spotting some of the team in your start wave. Your vest has your name on it and you’ll be cheered by random people right from the get go. Along the route we have three cheering stations where your friends, family and MDUK volunteers give you the loudest cheer making it impossible not to keep running. At the finish line, you’re met by an MDUK volunteer to shuttle you to a VIP post-race reception to meet your loved ones, grab some food and a much-needed massage.
The cause - I have a personal connection to the charity, with my sister being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when she was a toddler. The condition means she has never been able to walk and the charity have been there for emotional and practical support for my family since those early days. The funds you raise supports thousands of families like mine as well as going towards world-class research and campaigning to help find treatments and cures. The fundraising side of the marathon is made easier when you’re able to see the great work the charity does. The MDUK team support with tips, tools and guidance throughout to ensure you smash your fundraising target and make a real impact.
Apply to be part of MDUK for London Marathon 2023 #TeamOrange team today!
Not sold on any of these? Don’t worry, there is a list of charities with places available, as well as information about the causes they support and how to apply can be found on London Marathon’s website.
Our tip? Find a charity you truly care about. You will be much more passionate about raising money for that charity and friends will also be more willing to donate as they know you really care.
What are you waiting for?
Sign up today and experience that marathon feeling this year!
DOWNLOAD THE COOPAH APP TODAY
The Coopah app is supported on both Android and iOS devices.
You can download the Coopah app for Android devices from the Google Play Store. Users of iOS devices can find it in the App Store.