Following on from the huge success of the 2012 Sierra Leone Marathon, I am happy to announce we are back, working hard to make the 2013 event even bigger and better.

Earlier this year Sierra Leone held it's first ever marathon, with nearly 200 international runners joining around 150 locals on the streets and around the nearby villages of Makeni.

The whole event was spectacular, not only because of the £300,000 that was raised for the charity Street Child of Sierra Leone, but also the way that so many people were able to share the experience together and explore the amazing country that is Sweet Salone.

One of the key points for many visitors was the fact they were able to explore the Street Child projects and centres to see where there donations make a difference.

Having been fortunate enough to spend 10 weeks in Makeni planning the 2012 event and helping with the logistics Sierra Leone side. My luck has continued as I have now moved to London (tricky decision for a Northerner like me) to work in the Street Child office and help prepare for the 2013 Marathon set to take place on Sunday 26^th May.

The work is all very exciting, we have re-launched our website and can now take registrations for the 2013 Sierra Leone Marathon, so spread the word, tell your friends, family and colleagues and sign up now!

P.S. If you see me running through the streets of London, proudly sporting my Street Child T-shirt, stop me and say Kucho or run along.

Mark Maughan