New 10km running event for London

Fundraising | Gemma Ware | 1 Jun 2007

Gemma Ware reports on a new 10km running event for London.

The organisers of the London Marathon are launching a 10km event through central London next spring with guaranteed space for 2,750 charity runners.

Although the details of the route are still subject to final agreement with authorities in the City of Westminster and City of London, the run is expected to start and finish in St James Park and use a one-lap course in Westminster and the City of London. Participating charities have claimed the route is part of the course for the London 2012 Olympics marathon, though London Marathon organisers would not confirm this.

The first 10km race is planned for 28 May 2008, the bank holiday Monday, and has space for a total 12,750 runners. If it is a success, the organisers intend that the race will grow to 20,000 entries over the next two years.

In a format similar to the "golden bonds" on offer to charities for space in the London Marathon, the organisers have already pre-sold the 2,750 guaranteed charity places at £50 each to 100 charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Children with Leukaemia and Dreams Come True Charity.

Although organisers refused to reveal a full list of the 100 charities until closer to the event, a spokeswoman for the London Marathon said: "We chose these charities due to existing relationships.!

Public places for the event, which will remain unnamed until the identity of a main sponsor is announced, will cost £25.

Philip Pride, fundraising manager at Dreams Come True Charity, said he expected its 35 guaranteed charity places to "fill very quickly". Although registration for the event does not open until the summer, the charity is already advertising the spaces on its website, asking potential runners to submit a minimum £500 bid if they want to take part.

A spokeswoman from Macmillan Cancer Support said: "The London Marathon team have a first-class track record in this type of event, and we're thrilled to be a part of it. We're really excited about it and are hoping it will become an integral part of our fundraising calendar.

Directory: Macmillan
Who's Who: Gemma Ware

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