Running 26.2 miles is an enormous challenge. The marathon is a huge test of strength and endurance and even the most elite of runners can encounter problems along the way including blisters, chaffing, dehydration, heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, gastro-intestinal problems and a multitude of injuries. However, donkeys and mules supporting some of the poorest people and communities in the world, face this every day of their lives.

Put to work on construction sites in India, donkeys help build office and apartment blocks for the burgeoning population. Carrying heavy loads of bricks and sand, they must climb and descend as many as 12 flights of stairs. Back and forth they go, for up to 10 hours a day in the blistering heat. The stairs are narrow and steep and although donkeys are sure-footed,there are often injuries and fatal accidents.

Please support our runners and donate what you can. Every penny raised will help us to alleviate the suffering of donkeys like this worldwide. Thank you!