Q: How do I apply for a place? A: Click Apply. It takes you to our page with Realbuzz, our charity entry partner, which lists every race we have places for, including Athens, Valencia and other international cities on request. Places are limited and are allocated on the same basis for everyone: mainly your pledge and your commitment to fundraising. You'll confirm you accept the Runner Policies when you apply.

Q: When will I hear if I've been selected? A: We aim to respond within 2 days of receiving your application.

Q: What are the selection criteria? A: We look for commitment to fundraising, a genuine connection to our mission, and a realistic training plan. We welcome both experienced marathoners and first-timers.

Q: Can I apply for multiple marathons? A: Yes – although we would advise just one per year (to avoid fundraising fatigue)

Q: I missed the application deadline - can I still apply? A: Yes, if we still have places available.  Contact us at eventsteam@kenyachildrencentres.com to register your interest.

Q: How much do I need to fundraise? A: It depends on your race. Each race has a minimum pledge, because places cost us different amounts: World Marathon Majors such as Berlin and Chicago carry a higher minimum. You set your pledge when you apply (at or above the minimum), and we confirm the amount and currency in writing in your acceptance email. Sponsorship, events, employer matched giving and your own donations all count towards it. 100% of what you raise goes to our work with children in Kenya.

Q: What if I don't reach my target? A: Talk to us early: we'll help with ideas, templates and a revised plan. You will not be asked to cover a shortfall yourself. Your pledge is a genuine commitment, though. If you haven't reached 50% by the 50% milestone and we haven't heard from you despite our check-ins, we may give your place to another runner. Long, unexplained inactivity may also affect future applications.

Q: When do I need to have the funds raised by? A: Your exact dates are in your acceptance email. As a guide: 25% of your pledge about 5–6 months before race day; 50% about 12 weeks before; 75% about 1 month before; 100% by race day. The 50% milestone is the key one. Donations often keep arriving for up to a month after the race.

Q: How do I collect donations? A: We use Give2You as our fundraising platform. Once selected, we'll help you set up your personal fundraising page where people can donate securely online. You can also add offline donations (cash/cheques).

Q: Can my employer match my fundraising? A: Yes! Many employers offer donation matching schemes. Check with your HR department and let us know - we can provide any documentation they need.

Q: Can I pledge in euros or dollars? A: Yes. Your pledge amount and its currency are confirmed in writing in your acceptance email.

Q: Where do I fundraise, and can donors add Gift Aid? A: Use your official KCC fundraising page on Give2You (CAF is the alternative), so donations reach KCC directly. Pay any cash you collect into your page promptly, and never hold donations in a personal account. UK taxpayers giving their own money can add Gift Aid. Our Fundraising Toolkit has ready-made posts, emails and tips.

Q: Do I have to pay for my flights and accommodation? A: Yes, all travel and accommodation costs are your responsibility. The guaranteed marathon entry and our support is what we provide in exchange for your fundraising commitment.

Q: Is there a registration fee? A: When you accept your place, you pay a registration contribution to confirm it. The amount is set out in your acceptance email. It counts towards your fundraising total. Because it secures your place, Gift Aid can't be claimed on it, and it isn't refunded if you later withdraw. When you pay, please use your name and race as the payment reference.
Q: What's included in my runner package? A: You receive:

• Guaranteed marathon entry (no lottery!)
• Official KCC running kit (vest/shirt)
• Training guidance and tips
• Fundraising materials and support
• Regular updates from Kenya showing your impact
• Connection to our international Team KCC community

Q: Who pays for travel and accommodation? A: You do. Travel, accommodation, visas and race-weekend costs are yours, and KCC never pays them from donations. Please make this clear to supporters: their gifts go to KCC's work in Kenya, not your trip.

Q: How is my place paid for if 100% of donations go to the children? A: Race places are paid from ring-fenced reserves, reclaimed Gift Aid and dedicated sponsor gifts, never from your donors' gifts.

Q: How do I get my race number and start wave? A: Once we confirm your place, register promptly with the race organiser or Realbuzz, our charity entry partner. You complete your race account, start card and wave or corral steps yourself, and follow the organiser's rules, including age and medical requirements. We'll guide you if you get stuck.

Q: What happens if I get injured during training? Don't run injured or unwell: tell the R4KC Lead as soon as you can. There's no cost to you, and you won't be asked to repay the entry fee KCC has paid. We'll first try to transfer or defer your place under the race organiser's rules. You'll have priority for a future place (subject to availability) if your withdrawal was beyond your control, you told us promptly and you were training and fundraising up to then. We won't ask for detailed medical information. For full details see Policies and Commitments, Part D.

Q: What if I need to withdraw after being selected? Tell us as early as you can, so we can offer your place to someone else. There's no automatic right to a future place, but you can reapply. We'll look at why you withdrew, how much notice you gave and your fundraising up to then. Late or unexplained withdrawals won't normally be offered a further place. Money already raised, including your registration contribution, is a gift to KCC's work and isn't refunded. Please update your fundraising page and let your supporters know.

Q: If I can't run this year, can I run for KCC in a future year? A: If we offer you a future place, everything you've already raised is credited towards your pledge for the new race. You cover the charity cost of your new place: it varies by event, and we'll confirm it before you commit. For example, a runner pledges £2,000 and has raised £1,100 when injury stops them. Next year the £1,100 is credited, so £900 remains to raise, and they pay the cost of their new place.

Q: Can I pass my place to a friend? A: Not without KCC's agreement: your place is personal to you. Tell us early and we'll try to reallocate it.