Great North Run | Your guide to running for charity in the world's biggest half marathon
The Great North Run is one of the largest fundraising events in the UK, providing a platform for runners to raise millions of pounds for hundreds of charities every year, turning the race into something bigger than personal achievement alone.
If you've missed out on the ballot, or you'd simply rather run for charity, here's a five-step plan to secure your charity place in the event and raise funds for a cause you believe in.
Step 1 | Choose your cause
People have as many reasons for running on behalf of a charity as there are charities in the Great North Run - tonnes. These range from supporting a cause that is close to your heart to simply wanting to guarantee a place in the event. Either way, you can take your place in the world's biggest half marathon and help other people along the way by running for charity.
Your charity choice shapes everything that follows—training motivation, fundraising success, and race day satisfaction. Pick wisely, and every mile becomes meaningful.
Step 2 | Compare pledges and perks
Your chosen cause brings specific rewards that can shape your entire Great North Run experience beyond race entry. Not only will you look the part in your branded running vest and enjoy ongoing fundraising support, but you may also gain access to expert training advice, runner community, charity cheer stations, and post-race refreshments. You can look for the benefits that suit you. For example, you might be willing to commit to a higher fundraising target if you're keen for expert coaching sessions.
TimeOutdoors makes it super-easy to browse charities with places, search by cause, and compare fundraising targets, sign up fees, and what's on offer.
Step 3 | Enter early
Charity places in the Great North Run usually operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Move quickly, and you'll secure your spot while others wait anxiously for ballot results. Entering early also means you get the maximum length of time to smash your fundraising target - making your life easier.
Step 4 | Set up your fundraising
Your charity place is confirmed—now comes the exciting part! Your first port of call is to set up your online fundraising page. Be sure to include your personal story to connect with sponsors; fundraising pages featuring personal stories raise almost double the amount of generic appeals. Tell people exactly why this charity matters to you, then spread the word on social media and in MyTOD where you can inspire others to sponsor you, cheer you on, and even join you!
Pair your online fundraising with real-world activities such as quiz nights, bake sales and raffles. This is truly the time to put the 'fun' into 'fundraising' and get imaginative!
Step 5 | Train and update supporters
Your training programme serves a double purpose when you're fundraising: building the fitness you need whilst keeping sponsors engaged with your progress. Regular updates can boost fundraising by 76% so keep the donations rolling in by sharing everything about your goal in MyTOD, including milestones, events you're doing, and updates on training, gear and fundraising.
MyTOD makes it super-easy to log your achievements, plan your time outdoors, share your goals, and inspire others.
The Red Arrows flypast is a moment that helps to make the Great North Run unforgettable.
Typical pledges and what's included
Charity places are given on an individual basis, where each runner commits to raising a certain amount of money for the charity. This can range from a smaller amount, such as £250, to a larger commitment of around £500. In most cases, a nominal sign-up fee will also be necessary to show your commitment. For the Great North Run, the usual fundraising is around £350.
And in return? Well, here's the deal:
In return for your fundraising commitment, your chosen charity will provide a branded t-shirt or vest to run in, support as you train for your half marathon, and even motivate you from their dedicated cheer station on event day! What's more, committing to support a charity will help to motivate your individual training and keep you moving when the going gets tough. Your charity place delivers far more than guaranteed entry to the world's biggest half marathon so enjoy the perks!
Charities create cheer stations along the course to help spur you on!
Deadlines and when to apply
Charity places get snapped up pretty quickly, with most organisations filling their allocation well before the official July deadline. Apply early to secure your preferred charity and maximise your fundraising window.
Remember - you'll need to raise most of your target by springtime to keep your place, but listen out for your charity's individual timetable.
Tips to strengthen your application
Where a charity has an application process, yours needs to stand out among hundreds of others. A compelling story and strategic approach to fundraising will set you apart. Sharing a personal connection with the cause and presenting a clear fundraising plan will inspire confidence. Your application should radiate genuine enthusiasm for both the cause and the half marathon challenge ahead.
Combine heartfelt motivation with practical planning—this combination makes charity coordinators confident in selecting you for their limited places.
Ready to enter?
Once you've made the decision to enter the Great North Run for a charity, doing so is easy! Find a charity you would like to run for. You can search by name or cause - or just find the cheapest registration fee or lowest fundraising amount. There are many different charities to choose from on TimeOutdoors so finding one to suit you should be no problem.
Once you have completed the form, the charity will be in touch to provide the support you need to cross the line at the event and in your fundraising. If you would like any more information about the Great North Run or running for charity, please contact us via our support site.