- What is the event?
The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon was introduced in 2008, when there was no central London half marathon. In 2012, 16,000 places were available, about 60 per cent of which were allocated to charities. The event took place on 7 October last year and, for the first time, included the Royal Parks Foundation Ultra Marathon, a 50km race run in conjunction with the disability charity Scope.
- How does it raise money for charities?
Unlike similar events, the foundation does not tie charities into long-term commitments or require them to purchase additional services alongside their places. Instead, charity places are offered afresh each year so that all charities have an equal opportunity to get places.
- How much money was raised?
More than £3.5m was raised for 268 charities in 2012, with runners raising an average of £660 per head. The total was almost 20 per cent higher than in 2011. The race also raised £380,000 to fund charitable activities taking place in the Royal Parks. The charities Unicef and Mind have raised £1m through the half marathon since it began five years ago.
- What did the judges say?
Liz Tait, director of fundraising at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: "The growth achieved in just five years is impressive, and particularly good is the equal opportunities approach."
Highly commended
National Literacy Trust: Where's Wally? fun run
Finalists
- Cancer Research UK: Stand Up To Cancer
- Merlin: the Plumpy Nut Challenge
