Scotty’s May Marathon returns! Run a marathon in a month for bereaved military children
Scotty’s May Marathon is returning for the seventh year running!
The event, which sees participants complete a marathon distance of 26.2 miles over the course of May, has been a charity staple since 2017, and is a brilliant way for anyone and everyone to raise money for bereaved military children.
- Date: May 2023
- Location: Anywhere!
- Distance: 26.2 miles
- Apply by: End of May
- Registration Fee: FREE
Scotty Member Sebastian preparing to run the May Marathon
What is the May Marathon?
The May Marathon is – you guessed it – a marathon completed over the course of May. Every penny raised helps Scotty’s continue to support hundreds of bereaved British Forces children and young people.
How long is the May Marathon?
26.2 miles – the same a traditional marathon. But don’t worry, it might be a marathon distance, but you don’t need to run it all at once! In fact, you don’t need to run at all. Walk, jog, sprint or wheel – the only rule is that you must start and finish within the month.
Sign up for Scotty's May Marathon 2023
“Death is always hard to deal with, especially for a young person losing a parent. The armed forces protect us all, and the death of those fallen heroes is far reaching for their families. I choose to run the May Marathon in support of Scotty’s to show there are people willing to help make a difference and to prove life can be fun again.”
Where is the May Marathon?
Anywhere! You can do it outside or inside, at home or at the gym, even on the way to school or work. The great thing about the May Marathon is that it can fit around you.
When is the May Marathon?
The May Marathon takes place from the beginning to the end of the May, but you can start signing up now.
Run 26.2 miles this May for bereaved military children
“It’s just under a mile to my school and back. We put on our Scotty t-shirts and go on extra walks, too, to make sure we see some different views. Lots of my dad’s friends know about Scotty’s and donate to my fundraisers, which really helps.”
Does it cost anything?
No, the May Marathon is completely FREE. All you need to do is set up a fundraiser and get moving!
Do I receive anything?
Yes! The more you raise, the more we’ll send. Upon your first £5 donation, you’ll receive a pair of Scotty’s exclusive shoelaces. Once you’ve raised £100, we’ll send you one of Scotty’s own t-shirts or running vests. Then, once you complete the challenge (and have raised over £25) we’ll send you your very own May Marathon medal to wear with pride.
Scotty's May Marathon medal and laces
“It’s definitely been a challenge, but I’m so pleased that I’ve managed to complete it. Scotty’s have been amazing over the last six years, and they do so much for Annabelle and Connor that I wanted to do something to give back. I grew up without a dad, so I know how hard it is for my children and lots of other military children who are growing up without one of their parents.”
Fundraising tips
- Set a fundraising goal - Setting a target results in almost 50% more donations!
- Share your fundraising page - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are great places to promote your fundraiser and let family and friends know about the cause.
- Matched giving - If your employer has a matched giving policy, you could double the money you raise overnight. It can’t hurt to ask!
- Surprise people – The most successful fundraisers are the ones that do something a little unexpected. Sometimes that can be as simple as wearing a fun costume or completing the distance in an unusual place
- Keep friends and supporters up to date - Let everyone know how your fundraiser is getting on. If people see you're working hard to help bereaved military children, it could inspire them to do the same!
- Tell people why you are doing the May Marathon – Explain what Scotty’s Little Soldiers means to you and why you want to raise funds to help the charity support bereaved military children and young people.
For more great fundraising ideas, click here.
Scotty supporter, Jenny Beake, dressed as Wonder Woman for the 2020 May Marathon
Scotty's founder, Nikki:
“I love the May Marathon. The support we receive every year is incredible, and it always makes me so happy to see people get outside and take on the challenge for bereaved military children. I’ve taken part myself, so I know how difficult it can be. I’m not exactly a fitness fanatic, but I got a real buzz from the experience, and knowing all the effort I put in was helping bereaved children and young people is a feeling that can’t be matched. The effort it took me to complete the distance is nothing compared to what our members go through, and the money raised from the May Marathon always goes a long way in helping us continue to deliver support for our Members!”
Scotty's founder, Nikki
Supporting bereaved military children
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a tri-service charity dedicated to supporting children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
Services offered to Scotty’s members include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
If you know a child or young person who has experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, they could be eligible for specialist bereavement support from Scotty's Little Soldiers. Hundreds of bereaved military children aren’t getting the support they need but we are here to help.
Scotty Member Charlotte taking part in the May Marathon
If you are the parent or carer of a bereaved military child or young person, click here.
If you work with bereaved children & young people, click here.
If you are a bereaved young person seeking support, click here.
