Community Fund


With your help we have now supported over 140 local projects helping hundreds more people from all ages become active! Every penny donated is re-invested into the local community making a huge difference in our quest to help build a healthy community.

New Forest Marathon 2024 will see up to £1 from everyone running go straight to the New Forest Marathon Community Fund along with additional donations from runners.

We’d love to hear from anyone interested in supporting the New Forest Marathon Community Fund to continue developing this great local charity.

What is the New Forest Community Fund?

In the last 39 years the New Forest Marathon has donated over £1.33 million to support over 140 local good causes and community groups from the New Forest area. To help this pot grow and to continue to support all the superb organisations that exist within the New Forest and surrounding area, we have set up the New Forest Marathon Community Fund.

Local groups or organisations can apply to the fund to help run projects that inspire any age to be physically active in the forest and surrounding area.

Who manages the fund? 

The New Forest Marathon Community Fund is an official charity registered by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The charity is run by a small group of trustees with the aim to maximise funds raised, delivering these to a wide variety of community groups to inspire them to be active.

Why does the Community Fund have a focus on activity for 2024?

Inactivity and obesity are now recognised as the 4th biggest killer in the UK costing £27 billion and causing 37,000 deaths every year. It is estimated that 62% of the adult population of Hampshire is overweight and obese.

We’d love you to join us on our journey to make our community healthier. Your donations will help support local groups to run projects that inspire people to become more active.

Why does the Community Fund have a focus on educating everyone about the protection of the New Forest?

We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to stage the event in one of the worlds most beautiful  areas, so we’re passionate about protecting this for generations to come.

Working closely with Forestry England and New Park Showground the New Forest Marathon Community Fund will support the initiatives run by both organisations to support educational programs to preserve this beautiful landscape.

How can you help?

We would love you to run to raise money for the Community Fund or simply lend a hand to help the many good causes and community groups across the New Forest and surrounding area.

Runners are welcome to run for any charity they like. We acknowledge that many runners will have charities that are close to their hearts, if this is the case, we would be delighted if participants can donate the first £10 of their sponsorship to go to the fund.

You can also donate to the fund via our fundraising portal on Donorbox

Can I run for the Community Fund?

Yes, simply set up a campaign on Donorbox and select New Forest Marathon Community Fund as your chosen charity and start fund raising today.

All runners raising £100 or more we’ll give you a FREE* place to an event of your choice as well as access to our VIP area on the Day.

Simply email us at [email protected] once you’ve reached your £100 target, share the link to you campaign page and tell us the distance you wish to run and we’ll send you an entry code. 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!

You have to email before August 25th 2024 to claim your code and places are limited so don’t miss out!

*50 places available 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support in helping to make a difference in our local community.

How Can I apply to the Fund?

To request a grant application pack please email: [email protected]

NB: Priority will be awarded to groups/organisations who have volunteered with the event.