Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I run for Earthwatch?
How can I improve my chances of winning the Earthwatch Silver Bond?
I need to start training. When will I know if my application has been successful?
Does Gift Aid count toward my £2,000* fundraising pledge?
Why should I run for Earthwatch?
If you care about the environment, believe that effective conservation depends on having a scientific grasp of environmental problems, and want to help engage people in understanding environmental issues, you should apply to run the Virgin London Marathon for Earthwatch.
We understand the commitment, hard work, mental strength required to run a marathon. We pledge to be a constant, reliable source of support and advice from day one. We value the devotion of all Earthwatch supporters to our cause, and we look forward to welcoming you into the Earthwatch community. The funds you raise for Earthwatch could be used to:
- Develop new research projects into the conservation of threatened dolphins, sharks, whales, and sea turtles.
- Study how mangrove forests can be used to mitigate the affects of climate change.
- Given an early-career African scientist the opportunity to train alongside an Earthwatch scientist.
How ever these funds are used by Earthwatch, you can rest in the knowledge that they are being used to find answers to today's most pressing environmental problems.
How can I improve my chances of winning the Earthwatch Silver Bond?
To improve your chances of winning Earthwatch's Silver Bond, we recommend:
- Create a personal page at Pledge Bank, something along the lines of "I hope to run the Virgin London Marathon 2010 and raise money for Earthwatch, but will only do this if X people sponsor me." Get your work colleagues, friends, and family members to commit to sponsoring you so we can see how much you might be able to fundraise.
- Get your employer to match the funds you raise for Earthwatch pound for pound, and let us know once they are committed.
- Set up a Just Giving sponsorship web page now, saying that you are applying to run the Virgin London Marathon for Earthwatch, and need people to support you. Even if you are not successful in your application, you can take part in another sponsored challenge event and donate funds raised to Earthwatch.
- Seek help and advice from us by getting in touch with our fundraising team and showing us how passionate and committed you are. Call or email Laura in the Development Office on 01865 318878 or lhowells@earthwatch.org.uk
I need to start training. When will I know if my application has been successful?
In early January 2010, we will select the winner of the Earthwatch Silver Bond and inform you if you are that person or not. Runners World magazine recommends that a first-time marathon runner undertake a 14-week training programme in order to fully prepare for the race. By informing you in early January, you will have 14 weeks to train.
However, should you wish to begin your training now - and there is no reason not to - there are plenty of sponsored challenge events occurring in the UK and Europe in late 2008 and early 2010, including many UK-based marathons. Why not use these events for training? You'll have fun, get fitter, and could even raise more money for Earthwatch in the process!
Does Gift Aid count toward my £2,000* fundraising pledge?
Gift Aid is an important source of extra income for any charity. Please make sure all of eligible sponsors tick the Gift Aid column on your sponsor form where appropriate; see here for Gift Aid explained and on the forms we will send you. But please note that Gift Aid will not count towards your pledge total. Your pledge specifically EXCLUDES any Gift Aid that the charity may later be able to claim from the Inland Revenue.
If you use Just Giving or a similar web site to help you fundraise online, Gift Aid is collected automatically where sponsors have elected to Gift Aid their online donation. All funds raised online count towards your pledge except Gift Aid, which is specifically excluded.
* Or foreign currency equivalent