2010 official charity

Okay, runners and walkers, I know you're all training hard.

I see you out on the roads all over the island. The weather's changing and we're in for some wind and rain, but you're tough and I know you can take it (actually, if we're honest, we love it).

For those new to training, if you've never trained in a wild rainstorm, you've yet to discover how much fun it can be. But here's a question: can you do more?

Wait! I don't mean train faster, or go further on your long walks and runs. I mean so far, this has all been about yourself; getting stronger, getting fitter, going further each week.

When I ask; can you do more? I mean, can you use this fitness you are building, and this achievement you are aiming towards next February, to also do something to help others?

Let me give an example.

Each year approximately 30,000 everyday, ordinary people, just like you and me, run the London Marathon. Although the runners simply run and gain immense satisfaction, their achievements work in a valuable second way to generate vital funds for a large number of worthy charities.

The London Marathon has become the largest annual fund-raising event on the planet. Runners have raised over £450 million for good causes since the race began in 1981.

I know that a number of runners in Malta have been raising money for charity in completing the previous editions of the Malta Marathon and Half Marathon. I know personal friends who raise thousands of euros each year. So, it can be done... but can you do it too?

Wouldn't you like to know that your achievement was even more worthwhile? Can you run for those who can't?

Hospice care

This year the event organisers in Malta are pleased to announce that the Official Charity for the Land Rover Marathon 2010 is the Malta Hospice Movement.

The Malta Hospice Movement is a non-profit organisation, caring for those who suffer from cancer or motor-neurone disease as well as their families.

With specialist knowledge and skills, the Hospice Movement works with patients to ensure they are able to maximise each precious moment and live life to the fullest.

Hospice is about helping people make the most of each day, in whatever way works best for them.

All of the Hospice's services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. By raising funds you will help to ensure that the Malta Hospice Movement continues to give Palliative Care support to hundreds of families in Malta each year.

Companies may enter teams of a minimum of three walkers/runners in the Hospice Corporate Challenge within the Land Rover Malta Half Marathon (including Walkathon), whereby companies and departments may compete against each other. Training support will be provided.

Sponsorship forms and further information can be obtained from the Malta Hospice Movement website - www.hospicemalta.org.

On-line registration

Applicants for either the full marathon or half marathon/ walkathon may now register on-line. Participants can either pay the entry fee by bank transfer or by sending a cheque by post together with a completed printed form.

Those who wish may also print blank application forms for anyone who does not have internet access.

In such cases the entry forms may be completed by hand and posted to the MMOC address together with the entry fee.

All registration details may be found on the website - www.maltamarathon.com.

Be careful out there and enjoy your training.

johnwalsh42195@yahoo.it