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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To fundraise for a half marathon?

238 replies

tilyougetenough · 29/04/2026 08:12

I’ve entered a half marathon next spring (I do appreciate it’s a long way off but it’s a very popular one and I wanted to secure my place!), and in order to take part I need to raise £375 for a charity.

I want to do things like bake sales, etc., to bring in some money as I think it’ll be tough to hit that amount without doing it. But one of my colleagues has mentioned in passing that it’s not in good taste to do something like this at the moment as times are tough.

I can’t lie, I do expect the majority of it to come from my family - my parents have promised £150 already and my SIL has promised some money too. AIBU to try and fundraise, or should I just stick the link on my Facebook page and hope for the best?

OP posts:
PollyBell · 29/04/2026 08:30

As long as people are aware for that it is for i have no idea why you would be unreasonable about doing it

Isn't fund-raising the point?

Original poster
tilyougetenough · 29/04/2026 08:28

MayDaySunshinePlease · 29/04/2026 08:26

🤣🤣🤣

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I’m only joking of course, she’s very supportive of it!

OP posts:
Original poster
tilyougetenough · 29/04/2026 08:26

arethereanyleftatall · 29/04/2026 08:25

Where people get frustrated, is that you are doing something you enjoy doing, and essentially asking everyone else to pay your entry fee. That’s their sides POV.

so I think if you start with that being their thinking, then you act accordingly to raise the funds. So, not just asking for a fiver in return for nothing, but as you said, a bake sale is good. So that you are doing something yourself for your entry fee, not just asking others to pay it.

I’ve paid the entry fee.

OP posts:
MayDaySunshinePlease · 29/04/2026 08:26

tilyougetenough · 29/04/2026 08:23

Oh I have no expectations from anyone (besides my mum, she’s the one who convinced me I could do this in the first place so she bloody will be donating 🤣)

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🤣🤣🤣

Original poster
tilyougetenough · 29/04/2026 08:26

MayDaySunshinePlease · 29/04/2026 08:24

Then ignore your colleague, people will donate if the want to/ can & not if they don't.

its not in bad taste. Charities are struggling too.

its the half marathon something you could already do, or is it something you'll have to really work towards?

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I’m going to have to really, really work for it. The longest I can do without stopping at the moment is 4 to 5km 😂

OP posts:
arethereanyleftatall · 29/04/2026 08:25

Where people get frustrated, is that you are doing something you enjoy doing, and essentially asking everyone else to pay your entry fee. That’s their sides POV.

so I think if you start with that being their thinking, then you act accordingly to raise the funds. So, not just asking for a fiver in return for nothing, but as you said, a bake sale is good. So that you are doing something yourself for your entry fee, not just asking others to pay it.

MayDaySunshinePlease · 29/04/2026 08:24

tilyougetenough · 29/04/2026 08:19

I feel so passionately about this charity, I have such a strong family connection to it

Show quote history

Then ignore your colleague, people will donate if the want to/ can & not if they don't.

its not in bad taste. Charities are struggling too.

its the half marathon something you could already do, or is it something you'll have to really work towards?

Original poster
tilyougetenough · 29/04/2026 08:23

Jinxy1 · 29/04/2026 08:21

No harm in trying and in that respect you’re not being unreasonable but bear in mind most people will have their own charities that they support so please don’t feel discouraged if someone refuses. I hope you reach your target and it all goes well.

Oh I have no expectations from anyone (besides my mum, she’s the one who convinced me I could do this in the first place so she bloody will be donating 🤣)

OP posts:
Clearinguptheclutter · 29/04/2026 08:22

In which case you are doing a great thing

Ignore the colleague she doesn’t have to sponsor you. I have sponsored friends and colleagues for quite a few things recently, even more important in a COL crisis IMO as they will have less money than usual coming in. Surely your colleague understands that !

TappingTed · 29/04/2026 08:21

Fundraising by bake sales or car washes or services or food etc is different from just a “please donate” and I can see that due to COL issues people may feel just asking for money isn’t great. But charity support is always good and things like bake sales are fab too as people get something for their money. Maybe you could do a book sale and ask people for their old books the they buy a book for £1. Or take people’s donations and sell them on Vinted and donate the money? Not sure if that’s allowed but you could check lol.
good luck

Jinxy1 · 29/04/2026 08:21

No harm in trying and in that respect you’re not being unreasonable but bear in mind most people will have their own charities that they support so please don’t feel discouraged if someone refuses. I hope you reach your target and it all goes well.

Original poster
tilyougetenough · 29/04/2026 08:19

NeedyLimeMember · 29/04/2026 08:18

YANBU to fundraise AT ALL! Charities do essential work, their services are more in demand than ever due to the COL, and it's getting harder and harder to secure funding through grants etc. Asking friends and family to support you (bearing in mind they can say no) is absolutely fine and even better if you're doing something like cake sales, so they are getting something in return (if supporting a needed charity isn't enough motivation.) It's also well worth reading up about the cause, so that you can speak confidently and passionately about it. Good Luck with your training and fundraising ☺️

I feel so passionately about this charity, I have such a strong family connection to it

OP posts:
NeedyLimeMember · 29/04/2026 08:18

YANBU to fundraise AT ALL! Charities do essential work, their services are more in demand than ever due to the COL, and it's getting harder and harder to secure funding through grants etc. Asking friends and family to support you (bearing in mind they can say no) is absolutely fine and even better if you're doing something like cake sales, so they are getting something in return (if supporting a needed charity isn't enough motivation.) It's also well worth reading up about the cause, so that you can speak confidently and passionately about it. Good Luck with your training and fundraising ☺️

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