High scores for a higher cause: Warwick gaming marathon raises over £5000 for charity
A record-breaking £5,036.67 has been raised at the latest Warwick’s Awesome Speedruns and Demos (WASD) event.
Run by the University of Warwick Computing Society since 2016, WASD is an annual weekend-long speedrunning gaming marathon, with students, alumni, and guest gamers completing video games as quickly as possible.
For ten years, the event has raised money for accessibility charity SpecialEffect, who develop assistive technology, including eye-gaze systems that let people with limited mobility play games. Organisers initially set a £2,000 target, building on last year’s £1,190 total. The marathon quickly passed its previous fundraising record with more than half the weekend still remaining, and by Sunday evening the total had reached £5,036.67.
The milestone brings the overall amount raised by WASD since its launch to £17,000.
Raven Taylor, Computing Society Gaming Coordinator, said: “This year’s WASD was the most ambitious event the team has ever delivered – and the most rewarding.
“A huge amount of work happens behind the scenes to make a weekend like this possible, alongside academic and personal commitments. Watching the total rise far beyond expectations and break the fundraising record with half the marathon still to go was an incredible moment for everyone involved.
“The event simply would not exist without the dedication of coordinators, tech crew, commentators, and volunteers, who gave their time and energy throughout the weekend. It was a genuine team effort from start to finish.”
The anniversary schedule mixed nostalgia with creativity and challenge. Games included Super Mario 64, indie platformer Pseudoregalia, and inventive runs such as Celeste played on bongos and Mario Kart Wii using a steering wheel controller.
Alongside tightly practiced speedruns, the weekend was defined by spontaneous “donation incentives”, with organisers introducing new challenges and surprises as fundraising milestones were rapidly surpassed.
Adam Skrzymowski, Vice President for Societies at the University of Warwick Students’ Union, said: “WASD is a brilliant example of what student societies at Warwick can achieve. It combines creativity, technical skill and community spirit, while raising significant funds for an important cause.
“Events like this show the impact our students can have – not just on campus, but far beyond it. We’re proud to support initiatives that bring people together and reflect the inclusive values of both the Students’ Union and the University.”
Ten years on, WASD has grown from a small society initiative into a standout student-led fundraiser. With a record total this year and £17,000 raised overall for SpecialEffect, organisers hope the 10th anniversary marks the start of an even bigger chapter – continuing to bring people together through gaming while supporting life-changing accessibility work worldwide.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information please contact:
Stevie Connoll, Media & Communications Officer
stevie.connoll@warwick.ac.uk / +44 (0)7824 540791
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06 March 2026