Realbuzz Impact Report 2024-2025 - Report - Page 11
Jez Allison
The Running Stormtrooper
Age: 49
Event: Bank of America Chicago Marathon
(+ multiple other events)
Supporting: Make-a-Wish UK
The Running Stormtrooper, known in his
everyday life as Jez Allinson, is an icon of the
running fundraising scene: the first person
ever to record a Guinness World Record
for the fastest marathon dressed as a Star
Wars character. Jez has been known as the
Running Stormtrooper since 2016 and has
completed a host of marathon events
dressed in a full Stormtrooper costume.
During this period, he has managed to
raise an astonishing £82k for Make-A-Wish
& Spread-A-Smile, with c. £50,000 for
Make-a-Wish - this is from an initial £2,000
fundraising target for the charity! He is a
former Royal Airforce Officer and is a
veteran of numerous tours of duty.
He said of his unique approach:
“A simple fancy dress costume will
ensure that people will pay attention,
people will remember, and you’ll also
have fun. My Guinness World Record
was a great way to generate more
awareness and fundraising. If you were
to see a guy dressed as a Stormtrooper
running down the street, you are
likely going to remember it. The more
memorable you are, the more likely
people are to look into your cause
and donate.”
“My fundraising journey has seen
many events and many collaborations.
I actually ran the Chicago Marathon
out of costume, due to the terms of the
event, but instead donated my time as
a motivational speaker for fundraisers
to reach my target and keep raising
vital funds for Make-a-Wish UK! Things
have really evolved for me since my first
race - I’m now a Blind & Partially sighted
runner’s guide and have been a pacer in
many marathon events, all because
I started charity fundraising in 2015.
You never know where the journey
will take you!”
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