Top Charity Marathons – When you have beat your personal best running through the streets of your local town, you may turn your attention to something bigger. For many people, that bigger thing is a marathon, which combines the thrill and challenge of running with the possibility of raising funds for a charity of your choice. It’s a win-win!
Top Charity Marathons
However, across the UK and indeed the world, there are some marathons that are more suited and famous for helping participants raise money and are heavily endorsed by multiple charities. To help you out, here is a brief list of some of the most famous ones.
Edinburgh Marathon
A scenic race that is perfect for people who are new to running marathons, the Edinburgh Marathon features an array of events over a weekend in late May, including a half marathon, 5K, 10K, and family races. It starts at Potterrow and ends at Musselburgh. It is heavily linked to charities like the British Heart Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support.
How Much It Raises for Charity Annually: An estimated £40,000 for each charity that has runners.
Dog Jog Virtual Challenge
For those who want to take part in a marathon with their dog, the Dog Jog Virtual Challenge allows you to do just that at your own pace, in your own time. You get to choose the distance you walk with your dog, and you get to choose if you run, walk, or jog. It runs all year round and can be completed by anyone.
How Much It Raises for Charity Annually: Around £100 for each charity.
Tough Mudder
The Tough Mudder is a great marathon to raise money for charity if, of course, you don’t mind getting muddy! It takes place in the UK, Europe, and the US and is more akin to a marathon/obstacle course.
How Much It Raises for Charity Annually: Each Tough Mudder raises around £300,000 for charity.
Scottish 10K
A fast and flat route, the Scottish 10K in Edinburgh is perfect for those who want an easier time raising money for charity. It allows you to see the beautiful Scottish coast and is usually set to take place in warmer weather (August), so there is minimal worry about getting rained on. This is also ideal to take part in if you have a family.
How Much It Raises for Charity Annually: Minimum of £175 per charity.
Global Marathons
Of course, if you are a fan of travel and you want to combine seeing the world with taking part in marathons, why not try your hand at doing a marathon abroad?
In the US, there is the Boston Marathon, which is aimed at charities wanting to raise money for health and education. Annually, it raises an estimated $40 million. Then, if you want to visit the Big Apple, the New York City Marathon is one you must try, as it is known as a fundraising powerhouse, raising around $45 million each year.
In Europe, the Berlin Marathon allows you to see the beautiful city of Berlin while raising money for a charity of your choice. Never been to Africa? Why not take part in the Cape Town Marathon in South Africa?
Author Bio
Lizzie Reynell-O’Brien graduated with an MSc in clinical psychology from Goldsmiths University and started her small writing company, Just Write, in 2018, writing solely about mental health diagnostics in the NHS. She is passionate about writing as an art form, and when she’s not typing, you will find her walking her two rescue Jack Russells or in her garden planting wildflowers.
Debz Louise is a plus-size blogger based in Yorkshire. Behind many nationwide campaigns such as #WeaAreTheThey & winner of Best Blogger at the UK Plus Size Awards, she talkas about life as a plus-size 40-something woman in South Yorkshire.
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