NEWS FEED
Now in its fifth year, The Purbeck Marathon has become an important part of the running calendar and a major event in Purbeck. During this time the race has gone from strength to strength and has made a very positive contribution, such as £6,000 to good causes.
The Purbeck Marathon and The Purbeck 16 are part of The Purbeck Running Festival. The events are organised by volunteers for the benefit of the community throughout Purbeck. The races wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the help of the many volunteers on the day to fulfill different roles. Everyone who is going to help out on the race day, 18 September, is going to play an important role to ensure The Purbeck Marathon retains its place as one of the best Marathons in the UK and continues to make a major contribution to the local community.
Volunteers are required in different areas such as in the finish area, water stations, marshalling around the course or helping with first aid. The roles are not only essential to allow the smooth running of the event but runners have said that the volunteers around the course are very important in providing encouragement and making the event special. No previous experience is necessary.
As of 2015, volunteers have a direct say in how The Purbeck Marathon donates funds to good causes. For every volunteer who signs up, The Purbeck Marathon will donate £25 to local good causes and volunteers can choose where their money goes.
Race director, Martin Payne, noted the importance of community involvement: “Since its founding in 2012, The Purbeck Marathon has billed itself as ‘More than just a marathon”. An important element of this is that the marathon is run in a not-for-profit basis with any excess distributed to good causes and charities around Purbeck. Runners and volunteers are all helping the community. ”
