As marathon fever hits Birmingham this October, a local hospice has created a 26-mile sporting event that everyone can get involved in – even if they haven’t done any training.
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s ‘i-Marathon’ challenges people to complete 26.2 miles of activity across the month of October.
The virtual marathon will see participants choose their preferred sporting activity– whether that’s running, cycling, swimming, walking or mixture of all them – as well as picking where, when and how they’ll complete it.
So whether that’s one mile of running on the treadmill for 26 days or six miles of cycling every weekend, the i-Marathon is a fantastic opportunity for beginners or people with busy lifestyles to introduce exercise into their day-to-day schedules.
Laura Nash, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “October is marathon month in Birmingham, so we wanted to create an alternative challenge that still lets people get involved and go the distance but at a pace that suits them. We know how daunting 26.2 miles can feel to do at once, so the i-Marathon is a great starting point for people looking to do a marathon in the future or for those simply looking to keep fit and active.”
Participants will receive a free hospice t-shirt when they sign up and for those who reach their 26.2 miles goal and raise the minimum sponsorship, they’ll be awarded their own commemorative medal.
All funds raised will go towards the Hospice, which provides vital care to people and their families living with life-limiting illness across Birmingham and Sandwell.
Laura added: “As well as completing such a gruelling distance, participants really will make a difference to the people and families that we care for. Last year, the i-Marathon raised over £5,000, which will help make beds available for people needing expert care and support at the Hospice.”
Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice cares for 400 people in their own homes, in their local communities and at the Hospice.
