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NEW OBJECTIVE : 1500€ !

We reached the initial objective in less than a week ! That's unbelievable, thank you a lot. Then now, we decided to change our goals. The new objective is to raise 1500€. The 500€ more will be used to :

- To rent a private minibus for the whole trip. Then it will be easier to go everywhere with the kids, we could visit more places and do more activities.

- To create special t-shirts of the week-end for each kid.

- To make a photo book for each kid.

- To buy a souvenir from Sapa for each kid.

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Hello everyone,

More motivated than ever, I will take part in the VIETNAM MOUNTAIN MARATHON in Sapa on September the 24th 2016 and I need your support !

I decided to involve people around me and set up a crowdfunding project named RUN TO SAPA !

The project aims to support the School On The Boat NGO by organizing a trip to Sapa for Hanoi-based disadvantaged kids.

Let me first introduce myself...

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WHO AM I?

My name is Valentin Orange, I am a 25 years old passionate runner from Normandy. I currently work for a French NGO in Vietnam.

Turning 25, I thought it was high time to take the chance and start training HARD on this AWESOME CHALLENGE !

Thing is, that marathon is not a “normal” one (considering there is such thing as a “normal marathon”) … This one is a hardcore mountain race for RABBID RUNNERS looking for a strong challenge.

You’ll understand better if you scroll down… :)

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RUN TO SAPA PROJECT

The idea is to run for a local CHARITY to give back to the locals and run for a GOOD CAUSE.

Apart from boosting my motivation, it makes the whole race even more MEANINGFUL and allow you to get involved in this amazing goal : with your help we will finance a weekend in Sapa for disadvantaged kids from Hanoi !

THE GOAL : TO FINANCE AND ORGANIZE A TRIP IN SAPA FOR POOR HANOI-BASED CHILDREN !

I now feel I found THE reason to finish this marathon and you will be involved in this…

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From now onwards, I don’t run only for myself but also for the disadvantaged kids who live along the red river,one of the poorest area in Hanoi.

That is the reason why School On the Boat and I are setting up this crowdfunding project :)

What’s the deal?

We need to RAISE 1000€ to finance a trip in Sapa for the children who are helped by School On The Boat. It would be a WONDERFUL chance for these kids who have never been out of Hanoi. With this project, we can all together make something beautiful.

The children could discover one of the most stunning region in northern Vietnam, hike along the rice fields, meet people from ethnic minorities, …

What a splendid chance for these poor kids to escape their hard life for a while and enjoy beautiful moments together !

On my side, it will give me more energy and strength to face this absolutely amazing challenge and for you it will give you 2 good reasons to contribute to this crowdfunding project. And on top of that, there are super cool rewards, have a look on the right side :)

We count on you to make it happen!

MY CHALLENGE : TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS !

YOUR CHALLENGE : TO RAISE 1000€ TO FINANCE A WEEK END FOR 14 KIDS IN SAPA !

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WHAT IS SCHOOL ON THE BOAT?

School On The Boat was created in 2011. As I said before, this association helps Vietnamese children who live along the red river which is the poorest area in Hanoi. Their main goal is to provide everything the kids need to go to school.

The NGO makes a lot of efforts to understand each family situation and their stories. With open communication and trust from the parents, they are able to better understand the behaviours and needs of the children. They have a strong presence in their homes and communities and encourage the parents’ support and involvement in the child’s schooling and tutoring.

Through sponsorship, they can go to the public Vietnamese school, they get medical follow-up, food rations and the volunteers give them a lot of love and attention…

The association organizes cultural outings, some activities downtown like going to the pool... The children can share very nice moments and meet other kids.

Currently, School On The Boat takes care of 26 children aged 5 to 17.

Follow them on Facebook : School On The Boat

More information : http://schoolontheboat.fr/

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VIETNAM MOUNTAIN MARATHON

« More than a traditional marathon, it is a challenge against the wild! »

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Welcome to the highest mountains of Vietnam, to thousands of yellow rice fields, water buffaloes and colourful ethnic minority groups.

THE HARDEST RUN IN VIETNAM !

The small dirt roads and narrow trails will go through the majestic mountains and valleys that are only used by locals. Each route will encompass challenging climbs, exhilarating descents and a true glimpse of local life through the rice fields and ethnic minority villages.

Below are some mouth dropping facts :

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“Runners from all around the world come here to run through 4 mountains higher than 1500 meters and can also get precious points qualifying race for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc”

A few figures about the run :

- Max altitude: 1780m

- Elevation gain: 2000m

- In 2015, 50% of all runners were still racing after 10 hours of race.

- In 2015, the winner finished the 42k after 5h41.

- Maximum time: 15 hours

- 312 runners are already registered which represent 23 different nationalities in total.

- 20€ from each participant registration fees (total amount 100€) are given to a local NGO which helps ethnic minorities.

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Now you might think “why the hell is he doing that ??!!??...

Since I finished the Hanoi half marathon (12th in 1h32), I feel that I am able to pick up on this kind of challenge. I have been running for years and I want to upgrade to this kind of challenge.. The kind of race/challenge you remember forever...!

MY GOAL IS TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS!

More details about the race : http://vietnammountainmarathon.com/42-km-full-marathon/

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TRAINING AND MARATHON D-DAY

Until SEPTEMBER 24, you can follow the news of the project and also my training for the marathon through different social medias. During the run, you could support me and follow my run with Runtastic and Snapchat application.

Then, afterward I’ll make a video of the marathon to show you the wonderful landscapes of Sapa and also my red, sweaty and tired face ;-)

Facebook : Run to Sapa

Runtastic : Valentin Orange

Youtube : Valentin Orange

Instagram : val_orange and with #RunToSapa

Snapchat : valorange

Blog : http://valaroundtheworld.weebly.com

e-mail : valentin.orange05@gmail.com

CHEERS !

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RUN TO SAPA with "School on the boat"