Providing service through Rotary Fellowships

By Ralf Ludewig, Rotary Club of Bad Kissingen, Germany, and Chair of the Fellowship of Rotarian Marathon Runners

The Fellowship of Rotarian Marathon Runners (IMFR) was founded in France in 2006. The initial idea for forming the fellowship came after the very first group of Rotarian runners formed a team that took part in the Paris Marathon of 2005, with more than 200 Rotarians running for Rotary. The founding of IMFR was celebrated in October of 2006 in Berlin, Germany during the Berlin Marathon. Since then, IMFR has taken part in many marathons around the world (New York, London, Paris, Australia, Vienna, Rome and many more). This year we will be celebrating our 10^th anniversary in Budapest, Hungary this October!

I’ve been a member of IMFR since the very first team in Berlin and I’ve never regretted the decision. I’ve met many Rotarians from all parts of the world and our fellowship events are always a lot of fun and filled with enthusiasm. It’s wonderful to meet so many people who share your same interest of running and Rotary values. The highlight of my experience with IMFR was when we took a three-week trip to Australia where we were crowned the largest team of participants in the Townsville Marathon.

Our 10^th anniversary in Budapest from 7-10 October will be a very special event. There will be a chance to run shorter distances (10 km, 30 km). That’s a great opportunity for EVERYONE to have fun, learn more about our fellowship and members, and enjoy a nice weekend with Rotarians while doing good. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Rotary project Gift of Life, which is saving children with heart diseases.

The IMFR board, the Rotary Club of Budapest-Center and the District Governor Elect of Hungary Ilona Pénzes have all been planning the program for this event for over a year and it’s something you don’t want to miss!

Join us and please pass along this information to any Rotarian you think would be interested. Help us become the largest group of participants in the Budapest Marathon and help as many children with heart diseases as possible. Learn more about IMFR and about this special event on our website and like us on Facebook for the latest updates. Thank you very much for your support.

Throughout the month of June, we’ll be celebrating Rotary Fellowships Month by sharing inspirational services stories from various Rotary Fellowships. We hope these stories inspire you to join or start a Rotary Fellowship.

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