David Altabev, Kakani, Nepal Impact 2016

Impact Marathon Series continues to work in some of the most challenging countries across the globe, partnering with small charities in order to harness the Power of Running and create a positive impact upon the world.

Just over one year ago Impact Marathon Series set off on a different sort of challenge, the aim to crowd-fund £80,000 and bring on new investors and influences.

One of the first to invest in IMS was long-distance runner, sweeper and all out walking/talking dictionary Josh Ord Hume.

It is a pleasure to have Josh involved in IMS. Not only is he an excellent runner, but also a very keen supporter always willing to help in any way he can. Having run the first-ever Nepal Impact Marathon back in 2016, Josh has kept a close eye on IMS. He even volunteered his time and traveled to Guatemala earlier this year to gain a greater understanding of what goes on behind the scenes.

We caught up with Josh to find out why he is involved in IMS and what he hopes for in the future : as a runner, influence, and investor:

How did you first hear about IMS and what made you want to get involved?

I first heard about IMS through Street Child – probably in early 2016. Street Child had deployed to Nepal at the behest of the United Nations in the wake of the earthquake and the beginnings of a sort of « Confidence and Supply » relationship were already being developed between the two organisations. In many ways, what Nick was trying to do was “scale up” the Street Child model, tweak it and roll it out in a highly targeted way on a proposition-led basis. I loved what Street Child were doing and knew that I would be just as excited by IMS and its plans.

A contingent of about 25 Street Child runners were involved in the first Nepal marathon. It was an excellent opportunity to see the NGO’s work in a different location… and to take part in such a beautiful event.

Which IMS events have you attended and what made them so special?

Only two so far – Nepal and Guatemala. IMS is almost a sort of “boutique” event organiser: there is nothing impersonal, soulless or anonymous about an IMS event. When you assemble a small, disparate selection of people from all over the world in a beautiful location, the sum is almost invariably greater than the parts – a magical synergy emerges. What these people almost always have in common is a sense of adventure… and a well-defined desire to leave the world into which they were born in better condition by the time they leave it. And such people really are a thrill to be around. 

When and why did you decide to become an investor in IMS? 

A year ago. Put simply: because I wanted IMS to be able to employ a Head of Operations on a full-time basis… and grow.

What are your dreams and ambitions for IMS?

For it to carry on doing what it is doing: partnering with NGOs in some of the world’s poorest countries and delivering unique events in breathtakingly beautiful locations that will change people’s lives: both those of the people taking part in them, and those of the beneficiaries of the money raised.

How do you think as an investor you can help IMS reach these dreams?

I don’t think I can. Money is just one very small part of the overall equation. What makes IMS work and succeed is the commitment, imagination, tenacity and drive of the people who run it: everyone from each event’s race director to the person doing the airport runs.

Where is your ideal location to host an IMS event?

Every location is already an ideal location.

So far how would you sum up your experience with IMS?

It is only been three years (although I have known Mark Maughan, Head of Operations, far longer). I am watching them quite closely. And they continue to impress.

What would you say to encourage other people to get involved with IMS, either as a runner, volunteer or investor?

Nobody ever regretted going on a run. Similarly, nobody ever regretted going somewhere to go on a run. And volunteering is just part of what good-natured, kindly folk do. And investing? I guess that’s just the next step.