Swindon Half-Marathon CANCELLED
2015 looking like the final year after crowd funding falls flat. Only £2,250 raised towards £27K target
The Swindon Half-Marathon has been cancelled after organisers failed to raise enough money to stage it this year.
A crowd funding effort raised only £2,250 towards a £27K target and the following statement was issued on the Half-Marathon Facebook tonight.
'.... We hope that this is not the end for a Half Marathon in Swindon. However it is clear that without further community voluntary and financial support then putting on an event for 2017 will also be a challenge.
'We already have a small group of individuals interested in reviewing the options for 2017 and are looking for others willing to get involved.
2015 looking like the final year after crowd funding falls flat
07 September 2016
After hitting the streets 12 years ago, the Swindon Half-Marathon has helped raise millions of pounds for local charities and motivated thousands to get fit and stay healthy.
As a community event started from scratch, it's been a real Swindon sporting success story.
But despite a vibrant local running scene, it's increasing looking like 2015 will be the last race organised for sometime after a crowd funding appeal has fallen flat - raising only £1,160 pounds towards a £27K target so far with just 4 days to go.
That's the deadline date organisers have decided on with the race itself planned for 5 weeks time.
As previous winner and top Swindon runner Gary O'Brien says:
"A town like Swindon really should be able to sustain its own successful half marathon, like all the other nearby towns and cities do.
"If it doesn't happen this year then it may not happen ever again."
The appeal ends on 11 September. See the link below to donate.
Swindon Half-Marathon Needs You!
Community urged to get behind campaign to secure the Swindon Half Marathon 2016
31 August 2016
Organisers of the Swindon Half Marathon have launched a crowd funding campaign for individuals and companies to make sure the popular event can go ahead on
Sunday 16 October.
The Swindon Half Marathon has been a major event in the town’s community timetable for some years, but its future looked uncertain last year after the British Heart Foundation withdrew from directing it. However, SEQOL Community Foundation, the charitable arm of SEQOL, stepped in to lead and coordinate the event and the 2015 event not only went ahead but was hailed as a “runaway” success.
Still need to raise £27,000
While SEQOL Community Foundation is leading on the event again this year, organisers still need to raise £27,000 from the community to fund essential expenses such as road closures.
“We have already had donations from local companies and individuals but we are now calling on the town as a whole to give one final push and do what it can towards one of Swindon’s biggest and most popular community events" commented Michelle Howard, chair of the SEQOL Community Foundation.
If you'd like to donate, you can do so via the Crowd Funder website below.
Half-Marathon
