Will you run with refugees this January?

If you fancy getting 2023 off to a positive start by getting outside, getting active and supporting refugees all at once, then we have just the event for you!

Phone Credit For Refugees is thrilled to announce that Running With Refugees has chosen to support us for its January fundraiser for the fourth year running. Signing up couldn’t be easier – and the more supporters who take part, the more money we will raise to help keep refugees connected.

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So, how does it work?

Sign up to take part and run, jog or walk a virtual marathon with Running With Refugees in January 2023. All profits will be donated to Phone Credit for Refugees, so your effort won’t be in vain! The good news? You don’t have to complete your marathon all in one go! Take it at your own pace – even a mile a day will see you hit your target with ease.

What are you waiting for? Sign up today!

FAQs

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What is a virtual marathon?

A virtual marathon gives you the opportunity to complete a marathon (in this case, throughout the month of January) without the need to turn up to an official organised event. Tot up your miles whenever suits you and after each run, log onto the Etchrock website and log your miles for that day. Easy!

How far is a marathon?

A marathon is 26.2 miles – but don’t worry, you have all month to complete the distance!

Do I have to be super fit to take part?

Absolutely not. In fact, the Running With Refugees challenge is a great way to help kickstart any fitness goal you may have for the New Year. You can take it slowly, by running, jogging or walking less than a mile a day if you wish. And remember, every step you take will be helping a refugee stay safe, informed and connected.

Do I have to be a runner to take part?

Again, absolutely not! While a lot of people who take part like to run, an equally large number of entrants walk the distance. Your aim is to cover 26.2 miles in January – your speed is irrelevant.

How much does it cost to enter?

The entry fee to take part is £26.20. A very small percentage of this goes towards running costs – the majority of this entry fee will be delivered directly to Phone Credit For Refugees, to help us continue our vital work.

How do I enter?

To enter, visit this site and follow the instructions. You’ll be invited to register on the Etchrock website and, once your entry fee is paid, you’ll be sent your entry ticket. Don’t worry though – as this is a virtual marathon, you can complete it in your own time and each run can be completed straight from your own front door. There’s no need to attend an ‘actual’ running event.

How do I log my miles?

To log your miles after each run or walk, simply log onto the Etchrock site and enter the Training Page. There, you’ll be invited to ‘leave your mark’, by clicking on the ‘Add training’ icon and entering the details of your run. Your total mileage will then be automatically updated. You’ll also be able to see how everyone else is getting on via the Leaderboard, which constantly updates, and cheer on your fellow runners – it’s a very supportive community.

Do I need a fancy sports watch or running app?

While a sports or running watch can be helpful, as it will automatically track your distance while you’re out running, it’s not a necessity at all. If you don’t fancy forking out cash for a sports watch or downloading any running apps, you can easily map your runs online on Google Maps and then simply enter the distance into the Training Page after each run.

Can I do additional fundraising?

Yes please! While we are super grateful that you are signing up (as 100 per cent of profits will come directly to PC4R), we’d love it if you fancied doing some additional fundraising for us. Check out our fundraising pack here, set up a JustGiving.com page and you’re good to go!

Can I enter if I live outside the UK?

Yes – entry to the Running With Refugees virtual marathon is open to anyone, regardless of where you are in the world. The more the merrier!

What will I get when I complete the challenge?

As well as being able to bask in the warm glow of having completed a fantastic fitness challenge and helped to support refugees in the process, on completion of your virtual marathon, Running With Refugees will send you a brilliant medal to reward your efforts. Good, eh? If you’d rather not receive a medal, you can choose this as an option when you enter.

We look forward to running with you in January 2023… see you on the start line!

The PC4R team