London Marathon

Date: Sunday 3rd Oct 2021

In the running world, it does not get much better than this, one of life’s great challenges, the unbeatable atmosphere of the Virgin Money London Marathon and YOU could be there too!  The sense of achievement is amazing.

Be one of the 40,000 runners who descend on London and complete the mainly flat 26.2 mile route. Iconic parks and gardens, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Canary Wharf, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and The Mall; just some of the amazing landmarks you will pass along the way.  Thousands of supporters cheering you along every step of the way, making the atmosphere on race day electric!

By running for the Hospice, you will be helping our patients access the specialist care and support they need to manage their pain, symptoms and anxieties.  A chance to live as full a life as possible, making  precious memories and comfort in knowing that there is someone there to turn to in their time of need.

Want to run for Hospice of the Valleys?

The public ballot entry system for the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon is now closed.

Our silver bond charity application process for the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon is now open.  We only have one charity space and we envisage demand being very high.  If you are the lucky applicant, this is what we are looking for in return for your FREE charity space;

• You will kindly pledge to raising a minimum sponsorship of £1,500 (excluding Gift Aid) and of course you don’t have to stop there!
• Applications must be submitted by midnight of Sunday 3^rd January 2021.
• The successful applicant will be offered the space based on the quality of their application, especially your motivations to run for the Hospice and how you will reach the fundraising target and not first come first served.
• We will announce the successful applicant by Friday 8^th January 2021.

Got your own space and want to raise funds for Hospice of the Valleys?

If you are lucky enough to gain a space through the ballot and would like to run for the Hospice, then please get in touch and let us know.  We can start supporting you straight away.

As an own space runner, you will receive all the same support from our dedicated fundraising team as those with the charity space, but there is no sponsorship target to meet.  Our patients and their families are always so grateful for your support and for any funds you can raise for them.

Whether you’re a seasoned or first time runner, Hospice of the Valleys will be there to support you.

As part of #TeamHospiceoftheValleys you will receive;

• 1 FREE guarantee entry into Virgin Money London Marathon 2021,
• 1 FREE guarantee place on a training day to be fixed by London Marathon Events Limited,
• If you have your own paid entry – you will still receive the following as part of the team;
• Hospice UK race day info for supporters, including details of cheer points,
• Hospice UK presence at London Marathon Expo,
• Post-race celebration including sports massage, hot meal and refreshments,
• Your FREE technical running vest and t-shirt and iron on letters to personalise it,
• Support from your dedicated fundraising team member with hints and tips to maximise your fundraising,
• Fundraising materials to help you along the way; sponsorship forms, support to set up your on-line giving page, balloons, banners, posters,
• Regular communications and a good luck video prior to the event,
• Support through social media to raise awareness of your challenge and fantastic effort,
• Marathon training and preparation plan,
• Support to contact and join a local running club,
• An invitation to come and meet patients, volunteers, staff to witness first-hand what your fundraising efforts will go towards supporting.

If you have any questions, then please do not hesitate to contact Amanda Chard on 01495 717277 or by emailing Amanda.chard@hospiceofthevalleys.com

Reasons to do it…

There are many reasons to run the Virgin Money London Marathon for Hospice of the Valleys – whether it’s in memory of a loved one, because you, or a family member or friend has received support from the Hospice, to push and challenge yourself or simply because you need somewhere to wear your costume….What are you waiting for?

Thank you from everyone here at the Hospice!

Photos courtesy of Jon Buckle, Thomas Lovelock and David Levenson for Virgin Money London Marathon