Fund a marathon dream in Shenzhen without equity

Many people think the only way to raise money is to sell part of what they build or to borrow. On cohero, backings are gifts. You keep full ownership of your marathon dream and everything it becomes.

Marathon preparation stretches beyond race entry to months of training, equipment wear and travel. Show Backers a build-up, a tested race setup and participation proof without promising a finish time.

  1. 01

    Gifts, not investments

    A backing is a voluntary gift towards a goal. Nothing is sold, no ownership changes hands and no return is promised. Backers support a person; you keep control.

  2. 02

    Why milestones still matter

    Without contracts, Backers rely on transparency. You post proof for each milestone so they can review your progress and choose to support your dream directly with confidence.

  3. 03

    What you owe Backers

    Honesty: a true story, proof for each milestone and updates in chat. Not profits or repayment. Because Backers can pay milestone by milestone, they only send further support as you prove progress.

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.

Example milestone plan

An example plan for a marathon dream with a goal of CN¥23,000. Backers pay you directly, funding the goal all at once or milestone by milestone as you post proof for each step.

  1. Milestone 1

    CN¥4,600 · 20%

    Set race and baseline

    Post race registration confirmation, a dated training outline and a baseline activity summary with private details hidden.

  2. Milestone 2

    CN¥5,750 · 25%

    Build training consistency

    Share a dated training log, footwear receipts and a progress summary explaining any adjustments to the planned running load.

  3. Milestone 3

    CN¥6,900 · 30%

    Complete race preparation

    Post travel booking records, a race-kit checklist and a training rehearsal summary, with booking references concealed.

  4. Milestone 4

    CN¥5,750 · 25%

    Document race participation

    Share event check-in evidence, an activity record or official result if available, plus a factual account of race day.

Budget example

A typical cost split for a marathon dream in Shenzhen, shown in CNY. Backers pay you directly using your accepted payment methods.

Example goal

CN¥23,000

  • Training support and preparationCN¥8,050 · 35%
  • Race travel and accommodationCN¥6,900 · 30%
  • Running shoes and equipmentCN¥5,750 · 25%
  • Entry and event essentialsCN¥2,300 · 10%

What you receive

Backers give
CN¥23,000
0% platform commission
−CN¥3,450
You receive
CN¥19,550

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.

Questions and answers

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.

Do I have to pay Backers back?

No. Backers send gifts directly to your own payment account. cohero never holds funds or reverses payments; any dispute or refund request is handled between you and the Backer through your payment provider.

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.

Ready when you are

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