If you and/or someone you know would like to join our team for the 2009 London Marathon do make sure you contact us as soon as possible. We will be offering 5 Golden Bond places to runners who pledge to raise at least £1,000 each for the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust.

It is never too early to register - You can register now at: www.crunch.org.uk/imt

How to beat the ballot odds

Only one in five people will get a place through the public ballot, which is why by pre-registering to run for the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust you are guaranteed a place even before the ballot takes place. Under this scheme, we ask you to:

1. Enter the ballot in the normal way. (Entry forms are inside Marathon News , free from sports shops all over the country (up to October): in case of difficulty, call the Marathon Helpline ­ 020 7902 0189). The reason we ask you to do this is that you might be one of the lucky ones (see note 3) and we can then offer the valuable Golden Bond place to another runner after the ballot results are known at the end of November.
    
2. After entering the ballot, let us know your intentions by visiting our page on the CRunCH (Charity Runners Clearing House) website –  www.crunch.org.uk/imt . This allows us to give you “fast track “ approval for one of our coveted Golden Bond places as long as you are prepared to sign up to the requirement to raise at least £1,000. We will then be able to supply you with sponsor forms and details of our free kit and other special team offers. Even before the ballot takes place in November you can therefore start training - and fundraising - knowing that you definitely have a place, thus avoiding the scramble for places in December when many thousands of rejected runners start looking for charity places.
    
3. If you are lucky enough to secure a place in the ballot, you will still be able to run for the charity of your choice - enjoying the benefits of team membership and continuing to use its sponsor forms.
    
4. If you didn't enter the ballot click the 'Choose a Charity ' link below. Your application will be processed without reference to the ballot results.

Finally, please ask any running friends you may have if they are planning to run the Marathon and whether they too would like to run for the charity. If so, they should also follow the above steps.

Did you know that you can support our runners electronically?

You can support a particular runner or donate direct to the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust at: www.bmycharity.com/iolanthe

Congratulations to all our 2008 marathon runners.

In 2008 we had nine people running for the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust! The runners varied in backgrounds and in their experience of running. However, all had an interest in helping mothers and babies.

In 2006 Treena McCauley from Guildford completed the London Marathon in 5 hours and 5 minutes. Treena works as a merchandiser. Treena ran for Iolanthe because: "Midwifery is a profession and skill that is not appreciated enough by society. Without their skill babies would not enter this world. Their support and knowledge is not commended enough, they are worth their weight in gold."   Treena completed the marathon in 4 hours 23 minutes

Shelley Richardson is a midwife from Bedford. Shelley has been running for 2 years and has completed a half marathon in two hours. She ran for Iolanthe because: "As a midwife I would obviously like to see the further professional development of students and midwives alike." Shelley completed the marathon in 4 hours 53 minutes. She said: "...not bad for a nearly 40 yr old!"

An experienced marathon runner, Neil Bowles has completed two previous marathons including the London Marathon. Neil is a company director from Leeds. Neil ran for Iolanthe because: "Our midwives were brilliant when we had our child and they helped with their skill save my partner's life so would like to contribute to the charity." Neil completed the marathon in 3 hours 35 minutes. He said: "Overall it was a fantastic day and a great turn out."

Rebecca Fitch, a police officer from Suffolk, has also completed the London Marathon (in 2005). She has been running for 4 years. Rebecca ran for Iolanthe because: "I have really been touched by my friend who is currently training to be a midwife and the stories she tells me about her training." Rebecca completed the marathon in 5 hours 40 minutes. She said: "...which beat my previous time. Thanks for all the charity’s support. I felt proud to wear the vest!"

Another previous London Marathon runner is Hilary Taylor from Derbyshire. Hilary has been running for 3 years and completed the London Marathon in 2007. Hilary ran for Iolanthe because: "Having had four children all delivered by midwives I know what a tremendous job they do, and their training and support is crucial to their job." Hilary completed the marathon in 6 hours 39 minutes. She said: "....but at least I finished ! A few blisters but otherwise in good form." 

Daniel Peacock, a project manager from Reading, has been running for 6 years. This was Daniel’s first marathon, however he is an experienced fund-raiser having previously completed a 24 hour Rowathon and a parachute jump with the Red Devils. Daniel ran for Iolanthe because: "I admire midwives - it's a very difficult job and it plays a huge part in so many new families. I have two wonderful children and feel that any addition support for these wonderful, underfunded, and overworked people is a great cause." Daniel completed the marathon in 4 hours 43 minutes. He said: "although not quite as fast as I'd like I'm delighted as it was my first marathon. I think I'll do it again next year!"

Victoria Thwaites works in online advertising in London. Although she was new to running, she was confident in her ability to complete the marathon. Victoria ran for Iolanthe because: "My mother is an ex midwife who is now a director of Children's services for Surrey PCT. I have seen first hand the importance of skilled trained midwives and would like to donate to this charity to help those in this vital profession." Victoria completed the marathon in 4 hours 40 minutes. She said: "I am very happy... Our average mile was run in 10 minutes 40 seconds. Apart from a blister ...and the rain/hail, I’d have to say it was truly amazing experience and great to be part of.  Seeing friends and family along the way really lifted our spirits, especially along the embankment and in the rain."

With 6 years running experience Toby Gardener from Cardiff is not new to running. He has completed a half marathon in 1hour 44 minutes and the BHF 3 peaks half marathon in 4:05. Toby  works for Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. Toby ran for Iolanthe because: "It's an important charity which is not as high profile as other charities. Children are such an important part of everyone's lives and it's important that midwives receive as much support as possible - my neighbour is a young midwife and I think what she does is amazing."

You can find details of our previous marathon runners by clicking here.