Useful Information - Sponsor

Not only will you be tormenting your mind and body but you will have to pay for the pleasure (it almost sounds like one of those SM parlours). Beside the basic entry fee, you need to cover (depending on particular challenge) food, equipment and training.

Many entrants will raise this money through sponsorship and if you need to do this, it is essential that you start without delay. You can do it, but it requires a lot of work and determination to succeed. Potential sponsors will admire your determination to take part and complete the challenge, especially if you are doing it for a good cause.

There is a book The directory of Grant Making Trusts (Your library may have a copy). The section on expeditions by individuals can help you with useful names and addresses.

Write a letter including a description of the challenge, details of any cause you are raising money for, a list of essential equipment/events to attend and a training routine. The effect should be to show the sponsor how much time, energy and effort you are prepared to put into this event.

Send the letter (personalised, not bulk) to your employers, ALL your friends, your old school / university; your bank, local equipment suppliers, your local pub, local press, suppliers of equipment (Reebok, Adidas, camping stores, power food suppliers etc); photographic companies; your car dealer; your local supermarket (Sainsbury, Tesco etc); your local police authority; church - in fact anyone you think might put even a small amount towards achieving your goal.

These may be manufacturers, retailers etc, all of whom have one factor in common, they all expect a return on their investment which you may provide in 2 different ways:-

• Outside action
  • To promote the product or the company
  • To promote sales
  • To increase visibility of the product of the company (exposure)
• Internal action
  • To motivate company staff
  • To make a statement on the company's values and principles
  • Ultimately, a sponsor is seeking media exposure in press and TV coverage of the event.

Create a clear and concise file showing interest in the marathon. This demonstrates to your potential sponsor that they will get some return. For this purpose purpose you will need to get the media in your area involved in your participation in the Marathon (local newspapers, radio and TV). Local media is always interested in "exotic adventure" stories. In order to arouse the interest of a sponsor, you will need to demonstrate that the media is following the Marathon. The sponsor may also have contacts in the media world and obtain additional coverage, especially if they are local or perhaps even National advertisers.

Before the event, distribute leaflets and public notices announcing your participation in the challenge on which you will show your sponsors' and media partners' logos. Shortly prior to the event, hold a press conference in conjunction with your media partners and sponsors.

You need to undertake to return from your challenge with pictures of the event (obviously including something relevant to your sponsor, if possible). Depending on your challenge you may be able to give 'live' reports to your press contacts.

After the event give your impressions and stories to your media partners and sponsors. Arrange a date soon after your return for a presentation of your story, with pictures, souveniers and the equipment and clothing that you used during the race.

Find sponsors to cover your costs

The Grand Alpha Club is a community web site for sports men and women of all disciplines and all abilities. They are proactive in finding you the funds you will need to compete in the MdS. See the Grand Alpha website for more details.