The borough’s award-winning half marathon already relies on an army of volunteers from the community – but it is now looking for 10 ambassadors to ‘help keep the race alive’.

EHM Legacy, the community interest company (CIC) behind the Ealing Half Marathon, is seeking community ambassadors to help preserve this much-loved annual event, which is endorsed by Ealing Council.

The future of the race, which is due to return on Sunday, 26 September, is hanging in the balance unless more people sign up to take part. The event was cancelled in 2020 because of coronavirus safety restrictions – and that has left a big dent in the finances of the not-for-profit organisation.

A recent appeal for help has slightly boosted sign-ups but, with only two employees and three volunteer directors, the organisation just can’t spread the word fast enough.

Supporting local projects

Rachel Job, EHM Legacy director, said: “We have always been hugely thankful to the army of 700 and more volunteers who have supported this event since 2012. We are now seeking 10 amazing ambassadors who can help us keep the race alive. The Ealing Half Marathon Ambassador scheme enables us to formally recognise and thank those who are willing to offer their time, skills and energy to support our community event.

“As a CIC, we plough our surplus into local projects that support physical activity and wellbeing. We hope that with the creation of the Ealing Half Marathon Ambassador scheme we can continue on this mission into the future and for a long time to come”.

EHM Legacy is seeking 10 of the new Ealing Half Marathon Ambassadors, with the aim of bringing in a variety of skills as well as the opportunity for the volunteers to learn new ones themselves. The role would take up a few hours a month, although you can devote more time if you want to.

Rachel added: “We have over 800 volunteers at EHM Legacy events in a typical year, with over 700 at Ealing Half Marathon on that one day alone. However, the ambassador roles will be a bit more varied than on race day and will provide unique insight into more of our year-round work that doesn’t always involve the wearing of a hi-vis jacket.”

Interested?

If you are interested in applying to be an Ealing Half Marathon Ambassador, you can find out more about the voluntary role on the EHM website. Applications to be made by Friday, 11 June 2021.

Take part in the race itself

The 2021 Ealing Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 26 September. The race starts and finishes in Lammas Park and the 13.1-mile course takes in the leafy streets and parks of Central Ealing, Montpelier, Pitshanger, West Ealing, Hanwell and St Stephens. Each year thousands of spectators line the streets to cheer on the runners.

Entries for the 2021 Ealing Half Marathon are now open and cost £48 (affiliated) and £50 (unaffiliated). Refunds will be offered if the race is not able to go ahead. Runners can sign-up now at the Ealing Half Marathon website.