Our hugest support and respect to the brave runners who have signed up to represent FOE in the Edinburgh Marathon dream team on 22 May 2011!

The nutty nine who have committed so far: Fiona 'virgin' Campbell, Rona 'a bridge too far' McIntosh, Clare 'back on the bike' Farrow, Clare 'distance is not a problem' Morley, Charmaine 'fashionable-runner' Ayden, Tom 'twin-tastic' MacDonald, Tony 'Madaliso' Gillespie, Louis 'trampoline-trained' Schena and last but not least half Marathon Runner Lauren 'role model mum' Holden.

What’s even more impressive is that not all of the runners are, infact, runners at all! Rona McIntosh is more at home taking on giant padded obstacles – not the mental asylum, of course, but BBC's Total Wipeout! Charmaine Ayden has also very publicly stated via Twitter ‘the only thing that’s athletic about my marathon training is my athletes’ foot!’

The chosen destination for funds raised by the team is Chawama SEE (Sport, Education, Empowerment) School to build a structure on our own piece of land to educate, give sporting opportunities and enhance the lives of over 200 young people in Zambia.

The marathon is the first of a few sporting challenges that are being completed by the team this year, and we really do appreciate your help so please get involved and support us achieve our dreams for Chawama SEE School. Every donation made goes directly to helping improve the lives and education of the inspirational young people that we work with in Zambia.

Sadly for many of you, marathon registration is now closed. But the good news is that entry is still open for the half marathon or relay event. And if a cup of tea is more your cup of tea than Lucozade, any support on the day, or sponsorship at http://www.justgiving.com/Rona-McIntosh would be equally as appreciated!

Becky Maybury