Aberdeen-founded charity Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) has been announced as the Lead Charity Partner for the 2027 Aberdeen Marathon, continuing its partnership with the event following a successful collaboration at this year’s Aberdeen Half Marathon.
The 2027 event will see the return of a full 26.2-mile marathon to the city for the first time in 36 years, alongside half marathon and 5K distances.
Founded in Aberdeen, Gathimba Edwards Foundation supports children and families in the north-east of Scotland and Kenya, helping to provide access to education, safe housing and essential wellbeing support. Since the charity was established in 2014, it has supported more than 700 children and built 77 homes for families.
The partnership also holds a special connection to Aberdeen’s marathon history.
The late Mel Edwards, father of GEF co-founder Myles Edwards, played a key role in organising Aberdeen’s previous marathons, which took place between 1979 and 1990.
With the full marathon returning to the city after more than three decades, the charity hopes the partnership will help continue a legacy which has strong personal ties to both GEF and Aberdeen’s running community.
Myles Edwards, co-founder of Gathimba Edwards Foundation, said:
“Being named Lead Charity Partner for the 2027 Aberdeen Marathon is incredibly special for us, particularly after such a positive experience at this year’s Half Marathon.
“There is obviously a very personal connection too. My dad played a big part in Aberdeen’s previous marathons and I know he would have had a huge smile on his face knowing that a 26.2-mile event was returning to the city after 36 years.
“Running was such an important part of his life and the Aberdeen running community meant a great deal to him, so it feels very fitting that GEF can play a part in this next chapter.
“We’re looking forward to bringing together a brilliant team of runners, supporters and volunteers and, most importantly, using the event as an opportunity to raise vital funds to support children and families here in the north-east and in Kenya.”
As Lead Charity Partner, Gathimba Edwards Foundation will be at the heart of the 2027 event, with participants able to support the charity while taking on the 5K, half marathon or full marathon.
GEF is encouraging runners of all abilities to join its team and fundraise for the charity, while volunteers are also being sought to help support runners and the wider event on the day.
Funds raised through the partnership will contribute to GEF’s ongoing work supporting children and families through education, housing and wellbeing initiatives. Anyone interested in running or volunteering for Gathimba Edwards Foundation at the 2027 Aberdeen Marathon can contact info@gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org for more information.
