I've been running for half a decade now, but have never attempted a run of a full marathon distance, so this year I signed up to my very first to really challenge myself! Selecting the perfect event didn't take too long, because once I discovered how much of the Yorkshire Marathon is comprised of the beautiful, old city of York itself and its glorious surrounding countryside, and takes place in the middle of my favourite season of all, I was sold.

I wanted to give my run a goal that is more significant than simply getting it done, I wanted to attach myself to a good cause and raise money for it. I selected a charity local to the event that does incredibly important work for people in need in and around the city, The Hygeine Bank, York!

Here's their blurb to catch you up on what your donation will go toward:

"According to THB’s research, in 2024 hygiene poverty affects 4.2m adults in the UK. The cost-of-living crisis and the inflation crisis have pushed over 1m people more into hygiene poverty than in 2022.

That is why our network of projects exists – to give people access to the basics they need. Our passion stems from the injustice that people may be unable to fully participate in society due to hygiene poverty.

Join us in our mission to end hygiene poverty and build a more equitable society for all.

Because everyone deserves to feel clean."

The run will be on Sunday 20th October, 2024, and I am not aiming to complete the 26.2 miles any faster than within 5 hours (current half marathon time is under 2 hours, so this feels achievable).

Thank you SO MUCH for your support! Please do come along to York to support me on the day, it'll mean SO MUCH to me to see you on the route, and to celebrate with you afterwards. And regardless of whether or not you can attend on the day, PLEASE give generously to help me raise money for THB and let's work together to greatly improve the quality of life for thousands of folks in need!

-Peter