Seyon's Coerced Marathon: raising money for Cambridge City Food Banks
Seyon Sivarajah is raising money for Cambridge City Foodbank
Story
In September of 2023, I got married. At the wedding in Harrogate, I made the mistake of asking two individuals of questionable integrity and moral fortitude to give a speech - but hey, hindsight is 20:20.
Said individuals, pictured below, chose to manufacture a fiction as part of their speech. They claimed that I had chosen to run the Leeds Marathon, despite first hand knowledge of my complete lack of desire to ever run a marathon (or perhaps because of it). They also revealed the existence of this page - an ethically questionable strategy of using fraudulently acquired charitable donations for the purpose of coercion. The poster seen in the banner above was the cherry on top of this cruel cake.
Well, the strategy worked I guess. Here I am replacing the fake words that used to be on this page with those of my own, to say that I will in fact be running the Leeds Marathon - to honour the donations that were made with good intentions. And as a desperate last grasp at agency, I am also increasing the donation goal - if we can meet the goal to aid in ritualised peer-pressure, we can hopefully meet it again for a heartfelt attempt.
Our Cause: Supporting Cambridge City Food Banks
The cause they picked at least was a good one, and I am genuinely happy to be able to raise money for them. Here I will preserve the words of my tormentors:
Cambridge City Food Banks serve as a lifeline for individuals and families in our community who are facing food insecurity. Food banks like these provide essential sustenance and hope to those who are struggling, ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry.
To make this marathon even more impactful, we need your support. Your contribution, no matter the size, will go directly to Cambridge City Food Banks to provide food and assistance to those in need. Your generosity can make a significant difference in our community.
Actually running a marathon
I started actually training for the marathon in January. So far, it has been somewhat enjoyable (thanks in large part to the steady training plan my wife Emma kindly made for me), but I am dreading what is to come. Look out for updates on this page.