2010 London Marathon – Run for Oxfam, and for yourself…

Once again it is getting to that time of year again, every year in April thousands of people literally hit the streets of London to slog their way through a grueling 26 miles and 385 yards all in the name of charity and self-achievement. According to the race organisers, the London Marathon is now the largest annual fund raising event in the world. Last year 35,000 people participated in the race and since 1981, the year of the marathons foundation, an estimated £450m has been raised for charity.

Every year numerous charities run (haha no pun intended) dedicated London Marathon teams. This year Oxfam have teamed up with race sponsors Virgin to help raise even more money for charity, both home and abroad. All round Mr nice-guy Richard Branson, as well as sponsoring the marathon, has also set up a new Virgin money giving website to help charities further benefit from all their donations. The new scheme works in conjunction with HMG’s Giftaid, but it also has the added benefit of removing certain subscription charges due to the company being run as a not-for-profit organisation.

Of course running the London marathon isn’t just about doing it for charity. Running has long been acknowledged as one of the greatest cardio-vascular activities known to man, the benefits from regular exercise of this type is medically quite staggering. Running not only helps you lose weight, but it also helps to lower blood pressure, lowers the risk of cancer, can relieve types of depression, as well as providing people with a natural dose of endorphins making you feel great! The sense of achievement brought about by completing such a task isn’t half bad either.

The London Marathon 2010 kicks off soon, only 72 days remaining – so get involved!.

Run Forest, run!