Aberchirder and District Community Association has launched a marathon charity challenge.
The past 18 months have seen a sharp drop in events nationally and internationally. Fundraising for charities, clubs and organizations has stalled and many of these groups are struggling.
However, in Aberchirder, a special effort is launched in September to raise funds for these organizations and contribute to the well-being within the village.
The community association challenges residents to walk 26.2 miles their way during the month of September.
The group and various club members in the area challenge people to run, jog or walk a distance all at once or in manageable steps like a mile a day.
Secretary Bob Peden said: “The way people run their miles depends on their flexibility and the opportunity to get creative and complete their marathon in a way that challenges them. This is your route, your time, your marathon.
“A Facebook page has been created just for this event and donations can be made using a Just Giving service that will appear on the page in August.
“All funds raised will be divided among Foggie clubs and organizations as named. People must announce their intention to participate in the event via the Facebook page, at the same time, naming the club or organization they most want to benefit from their efforts.
“Alternatively, for those who do not have online facilities, hard copies of a registration form can be picked up from the Aberchirder Pharmacy.”
The event will end on the weekend of October 2-3 to coincide with the London Marathon. On Saturday October 2, the community association is hosting a morning coffee in the Aberchirder village hall, restrictions permitting, when the group intends to display photographs and share the experiences of all those who participated in the event.
Participants will be encouraged to post their progress on the Foggie Marathon 2021 Facebook page and have a fun interaction with the group.
The page will also be used to track progress and achievements while promoting the overall performance of the event.
There is no entry fee included with the challenge, however arrangements have been made with W Peters & Son, Turriff, to purchase t-shirts specifically for the event.
These t-shirts come in different colors and will have the Foggie Marathon 2021 logo on the front and participants’ names on the back.
The logo was chosen by asking all the children at Aberchirder primary school to produce a design.
The contest was judged by Banffshire Second Lieutenant Patricia Seligman and the winning logo was designed by Grade 7 student Imogen Duncan.
The t-shirts can be purchased using the link on the Facebook page and are priced at £ 18 for adults and £ 15 for children.
For more information on the event, contact Brian King on 07432075271.