International Refugee Trust at the Nike+ British 10K London Run Sunday, 8th July 2012
Running for Burmese refugee families in Mae Sot, Thailand
There are hundreds of thousands of Burmese refugees in Thailand who have been persecuted and forced from their villages by the repressive military regime in Burma. Many have been killed trying to flee over the border into Thailand. Those who have made it are experiencing extreme difficulties. A minority live in recognised camps, leaving the rest to struggle as best they can.
This family of refugees from Burma receives support from IRT. With your help the children can receive a proper education and the parents can learn practical skills so they can earn a living.IRT works with Burmese refugees in the town of Mae Sot, on Thai-Burma border. We aim to give them the skills and opportunities to earn a living and get back to a normal life as much as possible.
With the money you raise for the 10K Run, we can provide these refugees with skills training and funds to start up small enterprises such as basket weaving, piggeries, agriculture and catfish ponds. This allows Burmese refugee families to be empowered and independent. We also hope that one day they will be able to return home and they can take these skills with them to continue supporting themselves.
About the run
The lads returning from their run last year, having made excellent time!Over the years the British 10K London Run (this year powered by Nike+) has played host to some of the world's greatest athletes and raised millions of pounds for hundreds of good causes through the efforts of runners from all walks of life.
The race runs through the heart of London, passing great historical sights and much of the course will be the same as the route used for the men's and women's Olympic marathon courses in 2012.
After the run
We will all be very tired but also very proud of ourselves after the 10K run. So to celebrate we will all meet up after the race for a picnic in St James' Park for some drinks and pats on the back!
Fundraising
If you run the London 10K for IRT, your entry will be free. Once you have signed up, use the IRT Sponsorship Form or create an online account on JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving to get people to sponsor you. Use our appeals (available from Resources) and online information. This way, when you are asking friends and family to sponsor you, you can give them detailed information on where their money will be going.
Please note: This year's minimum sponsorship amount is £100 per runner.
Details of the run
After the run we all meet in St James' Park for a well deserved picnic.Date: Sunday the 8th of July 2012
Meeting time: 8:00 am, Eros Statue at Piccadilly Circus
Starting time: 9:35 am
Starting point: Hyde Park Corner
Route: The British 10K team has plotted the map on-line highlighting all the sights you'll be casually running past on your way to the finish! Have a look at the British 10K London Run 2012 Map to learn more about the route!
Sign up!
Do you want to be one of the 25,000 runners being cheered on by 40,000 spectators lining the course and to feel what it is like to be an Olympic marathon runner for one day?
Are you feeling up to the challenge and you want to help IRT raise money for Burmese refugee families in Thailand? Get in touch with us to secure your place in this year's London 10K! It will be a day to remember!
Please contact Marijn at [email protected] for more information or to sign up!
Contact
Any more questions? Feel free to contact Marijn at [email protected] or have a look at the official Nike+ British 10K London Run website and our 10K Run Facebook Page.