We’re excited to announce that PMRGCAuk Marathon in a Month is back this July and we’d love you to take part.
Marathon in a Month is a chance to come together as a community to raise funds, increase awareness of PMR and GCA, and enjoy the benefits of moving more in whatever way feels right for you.
Whether you’re walking a little or a lot, by yourself or with others, every step helps.
Last year’s challenge was a huge success. Not only did participants raise vital funds for PMRGCAuk, but many also told us how positive the experience was for their physical and mental wellbeing. We loved seeing everyone’s photos, routes and progress updates throughout the month, and we’re looking forward to doing it all again this year.
What is Marathon in a Month?
The challenge is simple: complete 26.2 miles – the distance of a marathon – across the month of July. You can do this by yourself or share the miles with one or more people.
That’s around 56,400 steps, but how you complete them is entirely up to you.
You could:
- walk a little each day throughout the month
- head out on longer weekend walks
- track everyday movement such as dog walks or shopping trips
- complete the challenge with friends or family
- join in with your local support group
- share the steps with someone else or ask someone to walk on your behalf
There’s no right or wrong way to take part. The aim is simply to get moving, raise awareness and enjoy being part of something together.
Join our launch webinar
To help launch this year’s challenge, we’ll be hosting a special webinar featuring Dr Anne O’Brien, Consultant Physiotherapist, who will be talking about exercise when living with PMR or GCA.
We’ll also hear from two participants from last year’s Marathon in a Month, who’ll be sharing their own experiences of taking part and what the challenge meant to them.
Full webinar details can be found here.
Fundraising resources – download everything you need
If you’re taking part, we’ve put together a few resources to help you get started.
Download our sponsorship form
If you’re collecting sponsorship offline, you can download and print our Marathon in a Month Sponsorship Form to keep track of donations from friends, family or your local community.
Download our guide: How to set up a JustGiving page
If you’d like to fundraise online, we’ve also created a simple step-by-step guide showing you how to set up your own JustGiving page joined to the PMRGCAuk Marathon in a Month campaign.
Many people found JustGiving a great way to share their challenge and collect sponsorship easily last year.
Help raise awareness while you walk
Marathon in a Month is not just about fundraising—it’s also a great opportunity to help spread awareness of PMR and GCA.
We’d love to see your walks throughout July. Please share your:
- walking routes
- progress updates
- group photos
- scenic views
- milestone moments
You can email them to us directly or share them on social media using #PMRGCAMarathon.
If you’d like support promoting your challenge, we can also provide:
- a social media graphic for Facebook or Instagram
- an email banner
- suggested fundraising text
- or a press release for your local newspaper or community media
New PMRGCAuk Merchandise
If you’d like to wear your support proudly while taking part, don’t forget that official PMRGCAuk merchandise – including t-shirts and hoodies – is available via our online shop.
Why your support matters
As a small charity, events like Marathon in a Month play an important role in helping fund PMRGCAuk’s work supporting people affected by PMR and GCA.
Every donation helps us continue providing information, support and advocacy for our community.
This year we’re hoping to smash our £15,000 fundraising target, and every mile walked and every pound raised will help make a difference.
Let us know if you’re taking part
If you’re planning to join Marathon in a Month this July – whether individually or as part of a support group, with friends or family – we’d love to hear from you.
Please let us know if you’re taking part so we can cheer you on, share your updates and celebrate your progress throughout the month.
And if walking isn’t possible for you this year, you can still support Marathon in a Month by donating through our campaign page.
Thank you for being part of the PMRGCAuk community – we can’t wait to see where your July steps take you.
