Celebrating 50 years
Empowering young people around the world.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking on your very first marathon, this challenge is about more than a finish time — it’s about futures and opportunity for young people.
This year, The King’s Trust celebrates 50 years of empowering young people around the world to build brighter, more secure futures. That’s 1.5 million young lives transformed — and counting.
To mark this milestone, King’s Trust USA is launching 50-for-50: a national, year-long marathon campaign challenging 50+ runners to take on iconic races across the United States with one inspiring goal — to raise at least $150,000 to support young people facing barriers to education, employment, and enterprise.
As part of the 50 for 50 Marathon, our dedicated runners are taking on the challenge while raising vital funds, with each spotlight celebrating their commitment to supporting young people through King’s Trust USA.
Paul Rennie OBE
His Majesty’s Consul General in Los Angeles
His Majesty’s Consul General in Los Angeles
Marathon: Los Angeles
Race motivation: Turning community spirit into real, lasting impact. Every mile is a reminder that with the right support, a young person’s future can change completely. Running in LA feels like the perfect way to help open doors for those who deserve a chance at a bright future.
Training soundtrack: High-energy anthems!
Post-marathon treat: “Chocolate!! And also not having to do any training for a few days …”
What I’m most looking forward to on race day: The buzz and the atmosphere. Being able to see LA from a whole different perspective. And being able to finish knowing I’ve been part of something worthwhile in raising money for The King’s Trust.
Charlie Jardine
Marathon: Los Angeles
Race motivation: As an entrepreneurial Brit, living in LA, The Kings Trust is very close to my heart!
Training soundtrack: Soundtrack to my life, by Kid Cudi
Post-marathon treat: Pint of Hazy IPA
What I’m most looking forward to on race day: Jumping in the ocean and then drinking a pint when I finish
Holly Brooks
Marathon: Los Angeles
Race motivation: This will be my fourth marathon, each has a different ‘why’ but this one is honestly motivated by the amazing work the Trust are doing for young people. Remembering that is what I am running and raising money for is going to get me through!
Training soundtrack: Anything Olivia Dean gets me through!
Post-marathon treat: ALWAYS a pizza (specifically from Emmys in Santa Monica)
What I’m most looking forward to on race day: Marathons bring such an incredible sense of community, I can’t wait to just feel the excitement from the crowds and fellow runners.
Register to Join the Race
Are you ready for a life-changing and impactful experience? Sign up now to join us in making a difference!
Donate
Your donation will directly support mentoring, training, and pathways to meaningful work and opportunities for young people across the United States.
Share the Movement
Help us spread the word by reposting our 50 for 50 announcements on Instagram or LinkedIn and bring new supporters into this campaign.
Inspire a Runner
Forward this email to someone who loves a challenge or has a “run marathon” on their bucket list.
Fifty years ago, His Majesty King Charles III founded The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust) with one simple belief: that every young person deserves the chance to succeed.
Our mission is to work for young people. Together with our partners, we empower young people to build the confidence, skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work. We do this through programs focused on Education, Employment and Enterprise. Today, The King’s Trust operates in more than 25 countries and has supported over 1.3 million young people. Three in four of the young people we work with move into work, education, or training — proof of what can happen when potential meets opportunity.
After a national assessment of youth needs, we launched our first U.S. program in 2023: Enterprise Challenge, a team-based entrepreneurship competition (think Shark Tank for students).
Young people work together develop and pitch sustainable business ideas, strengthening essential skills like teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. This program has reached students in New York, Chicago, Orlando, Detroit, and San Jose, opening up the world of enterprise and possibility.
Every young person we meet has talent. What they often lack is access, to guidance, to opportunity, to someone who believes in them. The King’s Trust exists to change that.
When you fundraise and run with us, you’re doing far more than completing a marathon. You’re helping a young person take their first step toward a future they might not have reached alone.
You can learn more about the work of The Trust in our annual reports.
King's Trust USA Enterprise Challenge
King’s Trust USA Enterprise Challenge inspires young people to think boldly, act creatively, and turn their ideas into real-world impact, building confidence and entrepreneurial skills that last a lifetime.
Welcome to the team — we’re thrilled to have you as part of the 50-for-50 national campaign. This resources hub is designed to support you every step of the way, with everything you need as you train, fundraise, and prepare for race day.
Fundraising
Fundraising is at the heart of the 50-for-50 campaign, and we’re here to help you succeed. Please download your fundraising toolkit here. This includes practical fundraising strategies, suggested timelines, ready-to-use email and social media templates. You’ll also find creative ideas to help you engage your network and keep momentum strong throughout your journey.
Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) giving
Yes — giving through your DAF is easy:
We’ll send an acknowledgment once your gift is received.
Social Media
Sharing your journey helps inspire others. As you train, race, and celebrate your marathon moments, we’d love for you to tag King’s Trust USA and mention us in your posts. Your voice helps raise awareness, build momentum, and show how many people are coming together to support young people to build brighter futures. Tag us:
Use our campaign hashtag: #50for50 (and any others you’d like to include) Mention us in your caption so we can see, share, and celebrate your post Stories count too! Tag us in Instagram Stories so we can reshare your journey Follow us on social media:
Subscribe to our newsletter here.
Race Dates, Milestones & Day of Logistics
Race Dates, Milestones & Day of Logistics
Dates, deadlines, and day-of logistics will be updated as we receive additional information. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please check back soon or reach out to [email protected].
Support & FAQs
If you didn’t find what you were looking for here, please head over to the FAQ section and take a look. If you still have questions, please reach out over email.
For general questions, fundraising support, recruitment help please email:
[email protected].
Everything You Need to Know
Still have questions? Contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your questions!
Email UsEmployer Matching
Yes! Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double — or even triple — the impact of your donation. Check with your company to see what’s available, and be sure to request a match once you’ve completed your fundraising so your support can go even further. Follow your company’s internal matching process — if documentation is required, we’re happy to help.
How to request a matching gift:
Other employer matching options:
Mail a check from your company (or its foundation) to:
King’s Trust USA
45 W 27th Street
New York, NY 10001
Arrange a wire transfer by having your employee matching department contact [email protected].
Encouraging your employer to match your donation is a simple way to maximize your impact. Check here to see whether your employer offers matching gifts or volunteer grants.
Where does the money go?
The money you raise goes directly toward supporting young people in the U.S. in the areas where the need is greatest.
Do I need to pay my own race registration fee?
Race fees vary by marathon. Some races include the registration fee as part of King’s Trust USA charity package, while others require runners to pay the fee separately. King’s Trust USA provides fundraising support, materials, and community; race registration fees are determined by each marathon. All runners register directly with the organization responsible for their chosen marathon and will be prompted to pay the registration fee at the time of registration if applicable.
For questions about a specific marathon, please email [email protected].
Is there a minimum fundraising requirement?
The fundraising minimum varies by marathon, but we encourage runners to set a meaningful goal that reflects the campaign. If you have any questions or want to talk through what a strong or realistic goal might be, just let us know — we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What happens if I miss my goal?
If marathon day comes around and you still haven’t reached your goal, no worries — just reach out to us. We can strategize together on final pushes, matching gift outreach, and simple ways to close the gap.
The fundraising deadline varies by marathon. Please refer to your signed commitment form for your specific race’s deadline. As outlined in the form, any remaining balance needed to reach your fundraising commitment will be charged to the credit card information you provided. We’ll always do everything we can to support you before that point so you feel confident and set up for success.
Can friends join the team later in the year?
Absolutely. Recruitment is ongoing — and we can do the outreach if you’d prefer.
Please refer to your fundraising toolkit for more information and resources about recruitment.
How does 50-for-50 work?
Runners take part in select, iconic U.S. marathons throughout 2026 and early 2027, fundraising along the way. Together, their individual efforts unite around one powerful goal: raising $150,000 in celebration of The King’s Trust’s 50th anniversary and opening the door to life-changing opportunities for young people who need them most. All funds raised through 50-for-50 support young people in the United States and are directed to areas of greatest need.
How does my donation make an impact?
Your gift helps change the trajectory of a young person’s life. It enables King’s Trust USA to provide the skills, confidence, and belief young people need to take their next step — whether that’s into education, employment, or entrepreneurship. By investing in potential at a pivotal moment, your support doesn’t just open doors today; it helps shape brighter, more independent futures for years to come.
Can I give through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?
Yes — giving through your DAF is easy:
We’ll send an acknowledgment once your gift is received.
I can’t run — can I still get involved?
Absolutely. Whether you donate, cheer from the sidelines, or help spread the word on social media, every form of support helps move this campaign — and young people’s futures — forward.
You can also explore the stories of our runners and support an individual participant whose journey resonates with you.
