Virgin London Marathon 2013

We are delighted to announce that Age UK, in partnership with YouthNet, the UK's leading online charity providing advice, information and support to young people aged 16 to 25, has fought off stiff competition to be selected as Virgin London Marathon Charity of the Year 2013.

As the largest annual fundraising event in the World, with 40,000 participants raising £50 million for thousands of charities, and televised in 150 countries, this is an incredible opportunity.

Over 1 million older people in the UK feel lonely, out of touch or cut off from society. Age UK and YouthNet are coming together to launch a ground-breaking cross-generational project where young volunteers, recruited by YouthNet, are teamed up with older people who are not online to train them in digital media.

The result - more older people online, connecting with friends and family, meaning a reduction in isolation and loneliness for those in later life, and invaluable experience in training for the young and a chance to make new friends.

We are aiming to raise £1,000,000, by recruiting a team of 600 runners in the 2013 Virgin London Marathon who we want to Run for it. We have 350 guaranteed places in the race and will offer expert fundraising and training support throughout your challenge. We are also seeking a further 250 ‘own place' runners who have secured a place in the public ballot.

If you, or anyone you know, are interested in taking part next year, please contact Helen Parsons on 020 303 31369 or email helen.parsons@ageuk.org.uk for more information.

To find out more, or to get involved, visit www.runforit.org.uk.