Nick wanted to combine a number of the best things in the world, like travel, running and making a difference.

But he didn’t want people just to donate and fund the charities he believes in. He wanted them to come out and see the projects and take part in it, so they would understand and take home why the projects are so powerful. And he also wanted to add a bit of running:-)

“As a child I dreamt that ‘future me’ would be a man who lives a fearless life he is passionate about, who does everything he can to change the world and to empower others to soar. A man who dares to fail greatly knowing that there is a peaceful reward to the challenge undertaken, even if not completed. Unconstrained, free and empowered. In 2013, interviewing for Goldman Sachs, I wasn’t living that and things had to change.

“I sat in a London wine bar, a nice glass in hand having an interview with a Goldman Sachs Managing Director. The role is exactly what I wanted and I knew I would flourish there.”

Nick had no doubts at all that he’d walk out of this bar with a job offer from the most famous financial institution in the world.

But that Goldman Sachs Managing Director said “This job is not for you, we will take our pound of flesh and it’s not right for you. Go back to Africa, go and make an impact.”

And, as Nick shook his hand to leave,
“Oh, and when it comes to running, bite the bullet and run a marathon. But not here, travel and do it somewhere totally new, it’ll be the best thing you ever do.”

And that’s how Impact Marathon Series came to be.

“In Impact Marathon Series we are building an organization from the ground up dedicated to empowering our runners and empowering the communities they will support. We are inspired by the chance to show people that they, in their capacity as one individual, have the power to change the lives of others – they have the power to build.

In IMS’s first 8 months we have set up 4 new international marathon races – Nepal, Colombia, Malawi and Guatemala – each one taking on a different global social issue. We will unleash the enthusiasm of runners to raise funds and take action, shouting loudly for a better world.

Impact Marathon Series is set up specifically to tackle the 17 Global Goals. Each race takes on the 3 of the Global Goals that are most pertinent in the community where the marathon takes place. You, the runner, then get to pick from those three Goals the one which fires you up.

You will then spend time visiting and volunteering with the organizations tackling your chosen Global Goal in the week prior to race day. You will you not only run for but also run beside these same people as the community joins you to celebrate the power of running to unite, heal and build.

In 15 years time, we will have fully measured our impact on each of the Global Goals – what has the power of running contributed to their success? What have you contributed to their success?

A person’s contribution through Impact Marathon can take many guises. You can run, walk, volunteer, donate – it doesn’t matter, just be inspired to take action this year.”