Skyline to Start Line: Running 65km to Fund Music Futures
Donation protected
The Start Line Fund
Running 65km for The Start Line Fund in partnership with Future Producers Academy
Thanks to your support, we’ve already placed music equipment into two schools and enabled over 30 young people to take accredited DJ exams thanks to WHATCLASS x ABRSM. And we will keep doing that.
But now it’s time for Part 2!
On 31st May 2025, we’re taking on Scafell Sky Ultra—one of the toughest sky races in the world:
65km (40 miles) of ultra-technical trail with 4,400m of ascent, including England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike.
But this isn’t just about the race. It’s about who we’re running for.
We want to keep raising, with a new target of £32,000.
This time we’ve partnered with Fraser T Smith’s Future Producer Academy to fund 16 young people through a unique life-changing 10-month programme.
Fraser T Smith is a multi-award-winning producer celebrated for his work with UK icons like Stormzy, Adele, Dave, Bastille and Sam Smith.
Many of them wouldn’t otherwise get this chance. Your donation will unlock:
- A free UK based course for 16 x 16-24 year old producers from underrepresented backgrounds.
- 10 Masterclasses around the country with award winning Music Producers and engineers at the most prestigious studios.
- 1:1 mentorship with experienced individuals across the industry
- Guaranteed work placements in the music industry following successful completion of the course.
- Travel, equipment, and full wraparound community support.
Join Us
Austen is running the race with filmmaker, colleague and ultra-runner Oli Crossland, carrying the names of all 16 students on his back.
Donate now. Share widely. And let’s get these 16 producers to the start line of their lives!
"Everyone deserves a start line." Austen Smart
CEO & Co-Founder
Co-organizers (2)
Austen Smart
Organizer
England
Scott Smart
Co-organizer