Hull Samaritans is inviting supporters to run, jog or walk a marathon in their own time and at their own pace to raise much-needed funds for the branch.
Hull Samaritans has launched ‘Samarathon’, a virtual marathon, as an exciting fundraising initiative that encourages supporters to run, jog or walk a marathon distance in their own time over the month of July.
Hull Samaritans wants to motivate more people to get active to improve their mental wellbeing, rather than focus on a single physical endurance challenge that requires participants to run 26.2 miles in one stretch. That’s why ‘Samarathon’ invites local residents to take on this marathon challenge at their own pace.
Rob Carlisle, director of Hull Samaritans, said: “While we don’t know how long we’ll be observing social distancing and Government guidance on daily exercise, this is a challenge you can do on your own, with members of your household, or join with friends, family and work mates virtually, supporting each other’s progress wherever you are.
“Samarathon is a great goal to motivate people to go at that their own pace. Whatever your age or ability, it’s a challenge to do in your time, at your pace, wherever you live or work. This fitness-fundraising initiative is focused on feeling good. We hope supporters will encourage their friends and family of all ages to take part as it’s an achievable challenge they can share and enjoy.
“In this current climate we really need the public’s continued support. Due to the cancellation of many of our fundraising events, we’re facing a significant loss of funding, so we’re urging the public to help us ensure that we continue to be here for anyone who needs support. Its free to sign up to Samarathon, but we’d love for everyone to raise whatever they can to support their local branch of Samaritans and help us be there for anyone struggling to cope.”
Supporters can sign up for free at www.samaritans.org/samarathon to take part in the UK-wide challenge that launches just days before the start of Mental Health Awareness Week. With this year’s theme of ‘kindness’, Samaritans is calling on people to be kind to themselves, to get active and boost their well-being, as well as be kind enough to raise valuable funds to ensure Samaritans can deliver a critical service.
Hull Samaritans volunteer Duncan is signed up to Samarathon. He said: “The Samarathon is a great opportunity to help raise money for Samaritans and it gives a chance for anyone to take part.
“You don’t have to be a Marathon runner and it is up to you how, when and where you walk, jog or run the 26 miles during July.”
If you want to raise money purely for the Hull branch, please email us at hulls[email protected] and we'll help you set up a fundraising page.