Charities should get tough on marathon runners who fail to deliver sponsorship money. But hang on. Charities should be charitable, and flexible about their fundraising in the current economic climate. So which side of the argument is right?  

It has been interesting to follow the recent story in Third Sector, and subsequent discussion on the letters page, which addressed the actions that charities should or shouldn’t take if marathon runners didn’t meet the fundraising target that they were set.

It has clearly polarised opinion. Last week I completed my first (and last) London marathon. I’d been training for six months, using Facebook and Twitter to keep people updated with my ‘journey’ and organised a pub quiz, which helped me to reach and go beyond my agreed fundraising target. I ran on behalf of the Family Holiday Association and felt privileged to have been given my place.  

It’s a charity I know well and I’ve met many of the families who have received support from them. I worked hard to reach my fundraising target. But I’m in a different position to the average marathon runner. It’s clear that not all were running for the cause that gave them a place. Many simply wanted to be part of such a prestigious event.

For many, the fundraising part becomes a real effort. The UK ballot for the London Marathon 2011 closed on Tuesday in a record one day after it reached its target 125,000 applicants. So from now on, demand from runners for a charity place will be fierce.

Many of the larger charities are already recruiting for their marathon places, and I think this sets a good example. Charities need to have realistic fundraising targets for their marathon runners, but it is clear that these places have a value and that runners need to accept that.

I think the charity and the runner need to have a clear understanding of what is required in terms of fundraising, and that the runner has to make a clear commitment to reach that target in whatever way they decide – perhaps a mix of fundraising and a personal guarantee.

Whatever happens, the charity must ensure that they provide the runner from the outset with lots of creative fundraising ideas, and fundraising support to meet and hopefully surpass the target.  

Oh – and there is still time to sponsor my marathon challenge.  

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