READING-based charity Parents And Children Together (PACT) is asking people to complete a marathon in a month in support of its work with children, families and the local community.
Marathon in May challenges you to complete a total of 26.2 miles over the 31 days in May. You can run, walk, cycle or wheel the miles and can cover the distance either individually or together as a family or group of colleagues or friends.
With so much flexibility, Marathon in May is a challenge anyone can do. Keen walkers, runners or cyclists can attempt multiple marathons and compete to reach the top of the leader board, while those who are less active can break down the distance into daily or weekly chunks. Many people take part as a family and find the challenge a great way to be more active with their children.
One parent from Reading said: “We loved the challenge. Our favourite activities were some lovely walks and rides along the Thames and the Kennet.” Another parent said: “We completed the Marathon in May through several long walks, which our son was able to do in his pushchair, plus some running and walking.”
Everyone taking part receives an exclusive Marathon in May medal and a certificate. PACT also provides an online page for each participant to track their miles and compete for a place on the leader board, as well as a printable colour-by-mile chart for children.
A previous participant said this provided extra motivation to help her reach her goal: “I loved having something to work for and knowing we get a little bit of bling is always a bonus!” Another said: “I loved the tracking sheet – my five-year-old son did the challenge with me and really enjoyed colouring in each day.”
All the proceeds from Marathon in May will be used to help PACT’s work building and strengthening families. The charity supports people across the Thames Valley and beyond through adoption services, therapeutic support, its Alana House women’s community project and its Bounce Back 4 Kids domestic abuse recovery programme.
Natausha van Vliet, Chief Executive of PACT, said: “Marathon in May has been running for five years and we have had so many PACT families, staff and supporters taking part and raising funds for our work. It’s an easy and fun way in which people of all ages and abilities can support our work – I hope many more people take on the challenge this year!”
PACT’s Fundraising Manager Lina Artunduaga added: “The really great thing about Marathon in May is you can complete the challenge however you would like, whether it’s walking a mile a day, or running or cycling a few miles every weekend. It’s perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to do a marathon but maybe not all in one go.
“For those who are more active, you can adapt the challenge to suit you. Last year, one participant even used Marathon in May to train for a triathlon and completed three separate marathons for swimming, cycling and running! We’re all really excited to see what our participants get up to this year. Do join us if you can.”
It costs £15 per adult to register, which includes a welcome pack, a mileage tracker, a colour-by-mile chart for children and a medal and certificate.
Children taking part alongside a registered adult can take part for free and extra medals can be ordered for them for £2.50.
PACT also provides tools for participants to fundraise through the challenge to further support their work should they wish to do so.
To find out more and to register visit www.pactcharity.org/marathon-in-may. If you would like more information or have any questions please get in touch with our Fundraising Team by emailing fundraising@pactcharity.org.
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