Sunday 7th April 2024

We know that running isn’t for everyone, but we would love to hear from you if you would like to be part of our Support Squad for the Southampton marathon event on Sunday 7th April.

Our ‘Communibear’ costume is up for grabs if you want to make a statement and encourage our runners as they cross the Itchen bridge, or perhaps you would like to help staff our gazebo at the race village and tell people about the work of Communicare, as well as encouraging our runners before/after their event.

Maybe you’d prefer to stay out of the centre of town due to the road closures on the day, but you might like to recruit some more supporters and find a place that suits you – your front garden if you’re actually on the run route, a nice spot in the park or somewhere else along the routes (especially useful if it isn’t one of the areas which is known for being full of crowds as this is when the runners will most appreciate your support – it can be hard when it’s quiet out there!) and make a little Communicare cheer point? We’ll tell you who to look out for so that you can be spotting our amazing runners and giving them (and of course their running companions) support through clapping, cheering, singing, playing music – whatever you will enjoy. You will see the difference it makes to runners when someone calls out “Go on Imogen!” or “Great running Zara!” – it can give you a real lift and with a group it can be loads of fun too.

Maybe you have artistic talents and could make some banners, you might want to bring out an instrument, or go for good old pans to bang and things to clap. Whatever effort you put in is sure to be appreciated by those going by. We can give you information about the routes to help you plan a good cheering point.

We’d LOVE to hear from you. In our experience, this is a lovely activity whatever the age. Little ones can be hugely inspired by watching these events so don’t underestimate how much fun you can have bringing the family along to support.

It’s so important to allow time to train well for an event.

Beginner level marathon training generally takes 16 weeks, while you should allow 12 weeks for a half marathon and 10 weeks for a 10km (assuming a reasonable level of fitness before you start).

You can download free training plans from the ABP Southampton marathon website: Download your training plan: www.southamptonmarathon.co.uk

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Bryony, who is one of Communicare’s Coordinators (events@communicareinsouthampton.org.uk). Our top tip is to allow good time to train as this can help you avoid running injuries and give you real confidence on race day. The event organisers even have training plans which you can download for free to set you up really well for a fantastic day whether you are aiming for your first marathon, a new PB or just to finish!

It might be daunting at first thinking about how to fundraise, but really the secret is about good communication. Your friends, family, colleagues are likely to be keen to support you when they understand 1) what you’re doing, 2) who you’re supporting and 3) why!

The first thing to do is set up a fundraising page with JustGiving. We send information about how to do this when you first sign up to run for us, please just let us know if you need this information re-sent.

Please follow the instructions to ensure that your page links directly with Communicare. This makes it really easy for your supporters to read about the charity and our work in Southampton. You can then explain more on your personal page.

Be honest with people – if you’re feeling nervous about the run, tell them – it shows that you’re human and people will want to encourage you. If they live nearby they may even come out to cheer you on on race day, or offer to run with you to help you train which can be really valuable! If you’re a more experienced runner aiming for a new PB, share this with people as they may be interested to follow you and see if you achieve it!

You can easily share the link to your fundraising page via social media, and/or emails as required to your friends, relatives and around the workplace if appropriate.

It is important to update people from time to time, so highlight some key times to send a little update (with the link again) so that people can see how you are doing towards your target and donate if they haven’t already done so.

Suggested key dates:

1) When you first sign up

2) When you start your training (still several weeks before the event which shows that you are committed and taking this seriously!)

3) Half way through your training – update people with how you’re getting on, are you enjoying it or finding it hard, are you well on track towards your fundraising target by now? If so, thank everyone who has donated so far.

4) 2 weeks before the event – most of your hard training work is done and it’s feeling real!

5) 1 week before the event – you’re planning for the day now!

6) 24 hours or the night before – What are you doing to prepare, how are you feeling?

7) After the event – with a photo that shows you did it – crossing the finish line, or afterwards with your medal.

8) It’s really nice to do a wrap up email when you’ve finished all your fundraising and update people about the total raised and thanking them.

By including the donation link every time you do one of these posts you are giving people gentle reminders to donate if they haven’t already. Those who have already donated have shown that they’re behind you and they’re likely to be interested in how you’re getting on so your updates will be welcomed.

Although our fundraising target is just a minimum of £50 (5km, 10km and half marathon distances) or £60 (full marathon distance), we recommend that you set your fundraising target higher than this, eg £100 or more. This shows your commitment not just to running at the event but also supporting the charity, and more people are likely to contribute to help you achieve it.

There are also other more creative ways that you can fundraise. They don’t always need much effort and can be really enjoyable experiences too. You could consider:

Hosting a cake sale or a coffee morning, or a drinks evening. When people come you have an opportunity to tell them about the work of Communicare which they may then choose to find out more about. We can give you information if you need! We may be able to support someone they know, or they might like to find out about volunteering with us, so this is really helpful from our perspective. Such events are lovely social opportunities which are no burden for people to support. (Cake sales are always popular, just be extremely careful to avoid nuts or other ingredients which could be dangerous to anyone with an allergy, and label your cakes well. If other people are donating cakes make sure you know of any potential allergy risks beforehand!)

Asking a local restaurant to help you with a charity fundraising dinner. If you agree a cost per person with the restaurant, then you can sell your tickets to allow for this as well as a donation per person towards your fundraising. It’s another lovely opportunity for friends and family to enjoy socializing and guaranteed generation of funds.

Asking whether your employer might match your fundraising. Not always possible or appropriate depending on your work setting, but you might be surprised at how your employer might be willing to support you.

We’d love to hear your ideas and how you are getting on and will be keen to support if we can!