If you are among the thousands who didn’t get a place in this year’s London Marathon ballot, it’s not the end of the road.
The 999 Club in South London has guaranteed places for the event next April and wants runners of all levels to consider joining its team.
The charity runs a night shelter for people at risk of sleeping on the streets and day centre on Deptford Broadway for people who are homeless and vulnerably housed in Lewisham. Each Marathon team participant is invited to the 999 Club to meet guests and understand how the money they raise can transform lives. For those who sign up, the thought of those sleeping rough can help keep up motivation during winter training sessions.
Team members will each have a personalized top for the day and will receive social media publicity. In return, runners are supported with their efforts to raise at least £1,000.
Last year, a group of dedicated runners tied up their trainers to raise money for homeless people in South London. Here are some of their memories of the day, and tips for would-be runners.
Sara Baker ran in the 2018 London Marathon for 999 Club
‘Crowd was amazing’
Sara Baker had always wanted to run a marathon and did her first one for the 999 Club in 2018 after months of intensive training through a cold and snowy winter.
“I spent a morning at the Club, finding out what it does and helping to serve breakfast. I thought it was a really good initiative, and that was a driving force for me in raising the money,” the 25-year-old insurance broker from Battersea said.
Describing the experience of her first marathon, Sara said: “I loved it. The actual day was very hot, I wasn’t quite prepared for that. But the crowd was amazing. I would hugely recommend it. My advice would be to start training early and to take it slowly on the day. The atmosphere carries you around and it’s a massive achievement once you’ve done it.
“I really enjoyed the fundraising aspect of it. I did a big corporate event – a beer pong tournament for more than 100 people, and that was really encouraging,” she added.
Paul Wise ran in the 2018 London Marathon for 999 Club
‘Enjoy the moment’
Paul Wise chose to run his first London marathon for the 999 Club as a way of giving back to his local area.
The 37-year-old marketing executive said: “I was aware of the 999 Club as a charity as I’ve lived nearby for a long time. I wanted to run for it because it’s a really nice way of giving back to a local cause which is helping local people.
“I enjoyed the training. You have to have a training plan. You’re training over the winter, so there are challenging times, but running around Greenwich Park and Blackheath in the snow was magical.
“The lead-up to the marathon is scary. Three weeks before the marathon it snowed, but the actual day was really hot. I was nervous but had done my training so relied on that.”
Giving tips for would-be first-time marathon runners, Paul said: “Forget about times, just enjoy the moment. Don’t wear headphones, as the crowds chanting your name is great motivation in itself, and the support around you is unbelievable.
“There are loads of ideas around for ways to fundraise. I would say, try to find something a bit different, as that’s how you will get more money in. Although, as it’s such a big feat, people are happy to sponsor you.
“I ran a raffle, approaching local businesses for a prize. Everyone who donated to me was entered into the raffle and won one of the prizes. I also had a micro-site, to take people on the journey with me in the lead-up to the marathon.”
The London Marathon is one of a number of challenge fundraising initiatives the 999 Club supports throughout the year.
If the Marathon feels too much for you, why not consider the Vitality Big Half. This half-marathon, in March 2019, is a great personal challenge through closed streets of central London, taking in iconic landmarks, and has a vibrant street party atmosphere. The 999 Club has 10 guaranteed places, with a minimum fundraising target of £250 per person.
To register to run with the 999 Club, in either the London Marathon or the Vitality Big Half, contact fundraising@999club.org. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.