Most of us are able to travel one mile under our own steam. Even those of us who can't, have wheelchairs, artificial limbs or carers to help us get from A to B.
Come and celebrate your mobility, your talents and your sense of fun by completing just one of our 500 miles in the most challenging/funny/ interesting/inspiring way you can. At the same time can you raise a little sponsorship for 500 miles to help people in Africa claim the same independence? Just £60 is enough to pay for an average prosthesis or orthosis and £100 pays for an operation.
When?
Saturday 3rd October 2009 from 11.10am. Each mile will be allocated to a single minute from 11.10am until 7.30pm.
Where?
The one-mile circuit starts and finishes at the EICC in Edinburgh. It consists of two laps of Conference Square (behind the EICC) and Festival Square (in front of the Sheraton). At the half way stage and when you finish you will come right through the EICC. This means that if you'd struggle with a whole mile, there is an opportunity to share your mile with the other half of your team. The course is completely off-road, mainly paved and has no steps - just some gentle slopes and a short, slightly bumpy section – but nothing to stop a wheelchair! Click here to see the route.
How?
Any way you like – which is legal and decent! From singing to cheer leading; from tossing a pancake to piggy back; from bikini clad to toddling; from a pogo stick to wheelchair precision. You can take part as an individual or as a team of any number (within reason!). Miles in the Miles for Smiles 500 miles Challenge will be allocated to the most exciting/imaginative/testing ideas - which are also likely to raise the most sponsorship! Click here for suggestions and inspiration.
You can take as long as you like to finish your mile. Safe overtaking is allowed!
How do you get a mile?
Click below to download a simple application form.
Complete it with your details, and (if applicable) the number in your team, your idea for completing your mile and your preferred half hour slot for when you'll begin
your mile - and then scan and email it to trish@500miles.co.uk or post it to:
Miles for Smiles 500 miles Challenge,
Box 500, 44-46 Morningside Road,
Edinburgh EH10 4BF.
You’ll then be contacted by email.
Sponsorship
You don’t have to collect sponsorship but a little from everybody would be very welcome. Just £60 is enough to pay for an average prosthesis or orthosis and £100 pays for an operation.
Click below to download a sponsor form.
If you would like to set up your own web page to collect sponsorship on-line, go to the 500 miles Just Giving page. (Click on "Make your page" from the left hand menu and then follow the simple instructions). You can hand over sponsorship on the day or after the event.
If you are unable to join in on 3rd October but would like to support the 500 miles Challenge, you can do so by making a donation on the 500 miles Just Giving page. (Click on "Make a donation", follow the steps and please put "Miles for Smiles" in the comments column.)
What else will be happening?
Strong celebrity participation is expected throughout the day. Your fellow participants will also provide a lot of entertainment! Refreshments will be available and it’s free to watch – so bring your friends and family for a great day out!
The EICC will close to the public at 6:15pm because the reception for the Miles for Smiles Ball will start at 7pm. The last 60 or so one-milers will have the ball guests as their audience!
