Charity runs 2026–2027

Charity places are guaranteed places in events allocated by charities for popular events. Instead of buying a place directly from the organiser, you apply to a charity, commit to a minimum fundraising target, and, in return, you receive a guaranteed place in the event, along with a support package that makes the whole journey easier and more sociable.

Here’s the simple flow.

Choose your event

Pick a distance and date you can genuinely commit to. A realistic plan beats a dramatic one every time — and it makes fundraising far easier because people can feel you’re going to follow through.

Compare charities

The same event can come with very different charity offers. Before you apply, check:

• Fundraising minimum (and whether there’s flexibility)
• Registration fee (if any)
• Support package (fundraising pack, team community, training tips, kit, contact person)
• Why the cause matters to you (this is the fuel that keeps you moving)

If you’re choosing between two charities, pick the one you can explain confidently in one sentence. When your 'why' is clear, asking for donations feels natural, not awkward.

Apply and secure your place

Most charities ask a few quick questions about your motivation and how you’ll fundraise. Keep it practical: who you’ll ask first, what you’ll do for a boost, and how you’ll keep momentum. Apply early for big-name events — charity allocations can fill fast.

Fundraise with a plan that works

Fundraising is nothing to worry about - you'll see plenty of fundraisers across the website who are well on their way to hitting their target plus you'll get plenty of support from your chosen charity. You don’t need a million ideas, you just need a few that work well:

• Start with your inner circle: send 10 direct messages before you post anywhere.
• Make your story specific: why this charity, why this challenge, and what a donation achieves (use the charity’s own impact stats).
• Build mini-milestones: 'First £100 this week', 'Halfway by payday', 'Final push in the last 10 days.'
• Update little and often: short training wins, honest setbacks, and a clear next target.
• Say thank you loudly: it drives shares, second donations, and bigger gifts.

Want quick boosters? Ask your employer about matched giving, run a small quiz night or bake sale, and turn long runs into 'sponsor my miles' updates.

Bottom line: choose an event you’ll enjoy training for, pick a charity you truly care about, and start fundraising early. You’ll run stronger, raise more, and cross the line knowing every mile meant something.

Want to read more? Read the guides, tips and advice from our blog.

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