Planning the marathon event

When to do it

Cambodia's cool season according to my research runs from November to February so this would be the logical time to have it. Although 'cool' still means 25 degrees or more which is not very cool to me! The main harvest is gathered in December so is may be better to have the event before or after the harvest to allow the local community to assist with the event as well as not neglecting their farming. I would suggest January 2008.

Promoting the event

This is obviously very important. I think all neighbours who are willing to help with this should try to find as many places to promote this event as possible - such as websites, magazines/ newspapers. I think we should aim to have at least 100 entrants in our first year organising this event. But if we get 1000 then great!

Costs

I would suggest an entry fee of £70 ($130US) for all runners, this is comparable to other marathons around the world. We should plug the fact that all proceeds go directly to the local community and encourage all runners to raise sponsorship for this or another cause of their choosing. We could call it an 'ethical marathon'. As for what it will cost to organise, we will need to work out a budget. We will need: prizes for each category, bottles of water, snacks ie fruit/energy bars, tables, route markers, numbered bibs, an electronic timing system (if possible - does anyone know how you go about getting hold of one of these??), microphone. It may be possible to get some things for free through sponsorship, ie the bottles of water and energy bars.