![image3[1]](https://www.magentaassociates.co/wp-content/webpc-passthru.php?src=https://www.magentaassociates.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/image31.jpg&nocache=1)
Magenta’s Esme Banks Marr completed the Brighton half marathon on Sunday 28th February in a very respectable 01:56:57, averaging 08:56 minute miles.
The 13.1 mile race started on Madeira Drive, at 9am, next to Brighton’s iconic pier. The course then went uphill passed the marina village and back down the promenade along to Hove lagoon, and then looped back down the historical seafront for the finish.
Esme has been raising money for Magenta’s corporate charity Clowns Without Borders UK, a non-profit organisation which offers laughter to relieve the suffering of all persons, especially children, who live in areas of crisis including refugee camps, conflict zones and other situations of adversity.
Every year Magenta give a proportion of its profits to Clowns Without Borders (CWB), who work with professional artists to create performances that promote laughter, play and community cohesion. Magenta’s very own office manager, Marion Duggan, is a certified clown and has recently arrived back from a tour around India, where she was performing to disadvantaged children. In spring 2016, CWB also spread joy and laughter to the children living in the camps at Calais.
Right now, there are a billion children who live in areas affected by conflict, war or disaster and when this happens children are often the first group in any population to lose their rights; the right to be a child. Clowns Without Borders aims to bring this back by creating performances and workshops that encourages children to laugh, play and forget their struggles; to simply be children.
Esme was delighted to be able to run for the charity: “I love that the place I work actively supports such great causes; and I wanted to do my little bit for the charity which is close to all of our hearts. It feels great to have completed the half marathon in under two hours. Thanks to all the Magenta team for their support, and for putting up with my moaning about training! I can’t wait for the next challenge.”
With 8,089 runners in total, and huge crowds showing support along the route (including the Magenta team showing support for the final stretch), there was no shortage of atmosphere and encouragement.
Donations are still very welcome, please click here.
