- 01
Lead with the outcome
Your headline should name the result, not the struggle. Say what you will finish and when. A strong headline fits on one line and makes a stranger curious enough to open the story.
- 02
Tell it in three short parts
Who you are, what you are making and why now. A few plain sentences each. Never promise what you cannot prove later; Backers give to a person, so let your own voice come through.
- 03
Show, then ask
Add real photos of you and your work. Link each milestone to the proof you will post. End with a clear ask: what the first milestone needs and what Backers will see when it is done.
Risks to plan for
- R1
Training interruption
Illness or injury may interrupt the build-up and change participation plans. Include a review point before travel bookings and explain how unused race preparation spending would be handled.
- R2
Travel costs shift
Race-week accommodation or transport may cost more than expected. Gather quotes early, budget a travel buffer and separate confirmed bookings from estimates in the preparation milestone.
- R3
Race day falls short
Weather, pacing or event disruption may prevent a finish. Define the last milestone around documented participation and an honest race report rather than a guaranteed time or medal.
Example milestone plan
An example plan for a marathon dream with a goal of €3,100. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.
Milestone 1
€620 · 20%
Set race and baseline
Post race registration confirmation, a dated training outline and a baseline activity summary with private details hidden.
Milestone 2
€775 · 25%
Build training consistency
Share a dated training log, footwear receipts and a progress summary explaining any adjustments to the planned running load.
Milestone 3
€930 · 30%
Complete race preparation
Post travel booking records, a race-kit checklist and a training rehearsal summary, with booking references concealed.
Milestone 4
€775 · 25%
Document race participation
Share event check-in evidence, an activity record or official result if available, plus a factual account of race day.
How Backers are protected
14-day review per milestone
When proof is posted, each Backer has 14 days to review the proof, ask for more info, and decide whether to keep supporting your next milestone.
0% commission — direct gifts, nothing taken
Backers pay exactly what they choose directly through your payment methods. cohero takes 0% commission on backings, so you keep what is sent. Any refunds or disputes are handled directly between you, the Backer and your payment provider.
Gifts, not shares
Backings are gifts. No shares, equity, interest or repayment, and Dreamers keep full ownership. Nothing on cohero is an investment or a loan.
Budget example
A typical cost split for a marathon dream in Brussels, shown in EUR. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.
Example goal
€3,100
- Training support and preparation€1,085 · 35%
- Race travel and accommodation€930 · 30%
- Running shoes and equipment€775 · 25%
- Entry and event essentials€310 · 10%
What you receive
- Backers give
- €3,100
- 0% platform commission
- −€465
- You receive
- €2,635
Questions and answers
What makes a marathon pitch convincing?
Specific numbers, real photos and a first milestone small enough to reach soon. Backers trust Dreamers who show where every amount goes and who have already started on their own.
Do I need to promise a finishing time to Backers?
No finishing time is needed to explain the dream. Set proof around preparation, race entry and documented participation, and make clear how you will report a slower run, a withdrawal or an event cancellation.
Can my first marathon be the goal?
Describe your starting point without claiming a certain finish. Use a staged training log, tested equipment and confirmed event plans to show progress, with a review point before committing the main race travel costs.
Ready when you are
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