It’s the start of a new year and with marathon season nearly upon us, now is the time to sign-up to a challenge!
Next month, Brighton plays host to the 30th anniversary of its annual half marathon. This year, the event looks set to be bigger and better than ever. We’re looking for runners to support our fundraising efforts in the city and across the county by taking part in the race.
For participants who already have a place in the 2020 Brighton Half Marathon, we’re encouraging you to join our ‘Run for Rockinghorse’ team. Your fundraising will support our projects benefiting sick and disadvantaged children, babies and young people in Sussex.
The half marathon event on Sunday 23 February also welcomes the return of the Youth Races. This is where young runners can take part in a special one-mile race along a section of the half marathon course. The Youth Races are open to anyone aged 7-17 years old of all abilities and will be split into five age categories.
We have 20 exclusive charity places available in the Youth Races for participants who can each raise £50 in sponsorship. Join the ‘Kids Running for Kids’ Rockinghorse team and help us make a difference to young people in Sussex.
Join us for the Brighton Marathon Weekend
In April, the Brighton Marathon weekend returns with a host of events on offer. We still have charity places available in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 19 April. Registration is just £25 with participants receiving a Rockinghorse running vest and fundraising pack.
This year, we also have places available in the accompanying BM Ride. Launched last year, the cycling challenge will take place along the Brighton Marathon route ahead of the main race. Registration is just £25 per person with participants receiving a Rockinghorse t-shirt and fundraising pack.
Lucy Pond, our challenge events fundraising manager, is encouraging people of all ages and abilities to sign-up to one of the races for Rockinghorse. She says, “Last year, our Brighton Half Marathon, full marathon, and bike ride participants raised an incredible £29,000 between them.
“By signing up to one of the challenges for Rockinghorse, you’ll receive fundraising materials to help raise sponsorship. We’ll also support our runners with a charity cheering team and refreshment point along the race route on the day, where runners can top up on drinks and snacks.”
Making a difference
This year, funds raised by Rockinghorse runners will be donated towards the Oncology service at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (the Alex) in Brighton. We’re proud to be the official fundraising arm of the Alex by funding equipment and services for young patients.
We fund the Rockinghorse Clinical Psychologist for young Oncology patients who are receiving treatment for cancer. Dr Alice Emond provides specialist psychological support to children of all ages with a cancer diagnosis, supporting their mental health and wellbeing. The service is proving to be of vital importance to young patients and their families and we want to ensure that it’s here to stay.
For more information or to sign-up for a charity challenge in aid of Rockinghorse, call Lucy on 01273 330044 or email lucy.pond@rockinghorse.org.uk.
Volunteer for Rockinghorse
We’re also appealing to volunteers who can help support at our charity cheering points along the race route. First up is the Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday 23 February.
This year we’ll be meeting at 9am close to the British Airways i360 on Brighton seafront and we’ll need your help for a couple of hours. You’ll help us to cheer on our runners and hand out sweets and drinks.
To find out more, please contact Lucy on the details above.
