four2go
With only four years to go until 2012, Parents for Children is delighted to announce the second of their series of running events around the outstanding Lee Valley Park on October 4th 2008.
Following the great success of our inaugural five2go Lee Valley Trail Marathon, 5k and 1k Fun Runs, we are extending the event to include a relay marathon (Ekiden), divided into three stages, a 10k run on Hackney Marsh, as well as adding an event for the whole family as we replace the traditional 5k Fun Run with a 5k Family Relay. The pilot event was praised by the athletes for its originality and scenery, and changes to this year's marathon route will make it even more runner friendly!
The Trail Marathon will take a point-to-point course alongside the stunning waterways of the River Lee between St Margarets in Hertfordshire and Hackney Marsh. This is a truly unique marathon along an almost traffic free route.
Along with the natural beauty of the Lee Valley, participants will be able to take in the progress of some of the future 2012 Olympic sites along the way, including the White Water Canoe Slalom. The site of the future Olympic stadium area is now visible and will ultimately be accessible via a bridge over the road from the four2go finish area on Hackney Marsh. 
Accessible to All
We are keen to make our annual race series accessible to all, so four2go will include an event for children with disability, and a 10k run too. The 1k fun run was successful in 2007, so we know we have the right recipe for a 'racing opportunity for all'.
Families and friends will again be invited to join in the support on 4th October 2008, both down the Valley and at Hackney Marsh, where there will be a real festival feel to the day, with music, dance and a range of family and children's activities.
For more details about the marathon click here and for more information about the Fun Runs click here.
More about the Lee Valley
You can find out more about the sights of the Lee Valley, including video clips about Enfield Lock and King George V Reservoir and Gunpowder Park here.
Free copies of several leaflets about the Lee Valley can be requested from here.
Volunteers
The event cannot take place without people willing to volunteer as marshals. In 2008 we will again need around 80 people to come and help marshall (hand out water/food/direct participants etc). Could you help, or do you know someone else that can help?
Why be a marshal?
- Play a key part in a major fundraising event, supporting Parents for Children
- A great way to see this lovely and often overlooked part of London and Hertfordshire
- Food and travel expenses provided
- No previous experience needed and lots of guidance given
For further information about volunteering at Parents for Children please click here or if you are interested in becoming a marshal or want to find out more, please email four2go@parentsforchildren.org.uk.
If you would like further information on the four2go race events or events at Hackney Marsh, email four2go@parentsforchildren.org.uk or call us on 020 7520 2880.
Photos © Parents for Children