Thu 25 May 2023 • Dave Melody
Why Impact Marathons are changing the face of global charity events
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Allow us to reintroduce ourselves...
It has been a while since we were focused on our written word content. Something about the short-form video content fails to capture the level of thought, love, and passion that goes into each of our races. So, please, allow us to reintroduce ourselves...
Impact Marathon was born of a dream that we could use the power of running to uplift communities and empower runners all over the world. Each event brings together runners, communities, and local organisations in a powerful and transformative way. Impact Marathons are more than just runs for a cause. We are focused on creating a positive impact that is tangible and sustainable, and creates ripples of impact throughout the world.
We do this by creating the relationships that will allow you to see the impact of your fundraising efforts first hand. Instead of simply donating money to a charity and hoping that it will make a difference, runners in Impact Marathons will visit the project sites and meet the leaders of our partner organizations. This level of visibility and intentionality is rare in the world of charity events, and it helps to build a deep sense of connection between the runners, the charities, and the local communities.
If we take the Nepal Impact Marathon as an example. When you run in Nepal, you will directly participate in projects with hands-on work that let you see how the fundraising you’re doing can impact a local community. Previous projects have included constructing and connecting a water pipe to bring fresh water to a village, assisting with expanding a road to allow a remote community easier access, and many more.
Another way that Impact Marathons are changing the face of charity events is by promoting regenerative travel. Unlike traditional tourism, which can have a negative impact on the environment and local communities, regenerative travel is focused on leaving a positive impact on the places that we visit. This means supporting local businesses, respecting local cultures, and minimising our carbon footprint. Unlike 'sustainable travel' or 'eco-tourism', regenerative travel is about exactly that, regenerating the world through our time exploring, actively creating a positive impact and not simply avoiding leaving a negative one.
Impact Marathon is committed to regenerative travel, and we work closely with local partners to ensure that our events have a positive impact on the environment and the communities we visit. For example, in the Impact Marathon in Guatemala, runners have the opportunity to visit organic coffee farms and learn about sustainable agriculture practices. This kind of experiential education not only benefits the runners, but it also supports the local economy and promotes a conscious approach to how we experience a country, how we learn a culture, and how we personally change throughout the process.
The spirit of an Impact Marathon is embodied in the concept of "Ubuntu", which means "I am because we are". This philosophy emphasises the interconnectedness of all people and the importance of community. In an Impact Marathon, runners are not competing against each other, they are working together to create positive change in the world.
We feel that we’ve cracked the code for creating experiences that are truly regenerative, as well as creating positive impacts in the communities we visit.
We hope that you’ll explore the site to find out more about our upcoming Impact Marathons!
