Community Fund
What Is the New Forest Marathon Community Fund?
Since 1981, the New Forest Marathon has raised and reinvested over £1.4 million into more than 125 local good causes across the New Forest area — from scouting and youth groups to community sports clubs and grassroots charities across Hampshire.
Every penny stays local, helping hundreds of people of all ages become more active and build healthier lives. Up to £1 from every runner goes straight into the New Forest Marathon Community Fund, alongside the extra donations many runners choose to give when entering. It’s a genuinely symbiotic relationship. Many of these organisations also support the New Forest Marathon itself — marshalling the route, running water stations and helping out in the Race Village on race day.
We’d love to hear from anyone interested in running for, or supporting, the New Forest Marathon Community Fund — help us keep this fantastic local charity growing.
How Can You Help?
There are several ways to support the New Forest Marathon Community Fund:
1. Run for your own charity
Runners are welcome to run for any charity close to their heart. If you do, we’d be delighted if you could donate the first £10 of your sponsorship to the Community Fund — easy to do when signing up, or directly via Donorbox.
2. Run for the Community Fund and enter for free
Raise £100 or more for the New Forest Marathon Community Fund, and we’ll cover your entry fee. Choose from the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K or 5K.
As well as a free place, you will be given access to our VIP area to enjoy a hot drink and nibbles after your run! This offer is open to a limited number of runners, so get in touch early by emailing: [email protected]
3. Volunteer instead
Not running? You can still make a huge difference by volunteering at the event.
View volunteering opportunities →
How Can I Donate?
We’d love any support you can give the New Forest Marathon Community Fund — every donation makes a real difference to our local community.
Thank you to everyone who helps us make a difference in our local community.
Who manages the fund?
The New Forest Marathon Community Fund is an official charity, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. A small group of trustees run the charity, with one clear aim: to maximise the funds raised, and deliver them to a wide variety of community groups who inspire people to be active.
Why does the fund focus on activity?
Inactivity and obesity are the 4th biggest killer in the UK, costing £27 billion and causing 37,000 deaths every year. In Hampshire alone, an estimated 62% of the adult population is overweight or obese.
We’d love you to join us on our journey to build a healthier community. Your donations help local groups run projects that inspire people to get active.
Does the fund also support protecting the New Forest?
Yes. We work closely with Forestry England to support educational programmes that help protect this beautiful landscape for generations to come.
Find out more about how we protect the New Forest →
