Give back to the places you love
Whether you choose to fundraise, donate or volunteer, there are lots of meaningful ways to help look after the places in our care for future generations.
Run the Great North Run
The Great North Run is the world's biggest half marathon. With 60,000 determined runners each year it has an unrivalled atmosphere, with millions raised for charity. Join our team to raise money for nature beauty and history.
Update
Please note that we're taking a pause and are unable to offer charity places in 2024, but we hope to be back in 2025. You can still run for us if you have an open ballot place, let us know by emailing fundraise@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Why run for the National Trust?
Now, more than ever, we need your support to help nature recover and create new areas of habitat for wildlife.
When you run for the National Trust, not only will you be achieving your fitness goals but you'll also be helping to ensure our nation’s nature, beauty and history are preserved for everyone, for ever.
When is the Great North Run 2024?
The big date which your training will lead up to is 8 September 2024, so there’s plenty of time to get your running shoes on and those training miles in.
What is the Great North Run course like?
It starts in central Newcastle and finishes near Souter Lighthouse in South Shields: one of nine lighthouses in the National Trust's care. You'll start your race by making your way across the Tyne Bridge and run on through Gateshead, cheered on by crowds of supporters and music.
When you see the sea glinting ahead of you, you'll know you’re on the final stretch towards the finish line at The Leas, South Shields, a two and a half mile stretch of magnesian limestone cliffs.
I took part in the Great North Run last year to raise money to conserve two paintings by William Bell at Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland. When I offered to run for the Hall, I was really pleased that this was the project that my sponsorship money would go to.
A quote by Elspbeth Gould Great North Runner 2022
How do I sign up?
If you've already got a place in the ballot and want to run for us, we'd love you to join team National Trust. Let us know by emailing us at fundraise@nationaltrust.org.uk.
How we're supporting runners
Whether you’re a coastal champion, an explorer of historic houses, a garden lover or a countryside roamer, you can take on the challenge knowing that every mile you run will help to protect somewhere you love. If you sign up to the Great North Run for the National Trust, we'll give you plenty of support to achieve your fundraising and fitness goals. As part of this you’ll receive:
• Help setting up your Enthuse page.
• Advice on how to fundraise.
• Email or phone support if you have any questions.
• A National Trust race vest to wear on the big day and keep afterwards.
After your race, you'll receive a unique wooden medal as a thank you from us, as well as rewards from the Great North Run organisers.
You might also be interested in
Fundraising
Find out how you can help us to raise funds so we can continue our work to provide access to nature, beauty and green spaces for everyone.
Appeal
Everyone Needs Nature Appeal
You can help protect and restore the precious habitats and species that are in decline due to the effects of climate change. Donate to the Everyone Needs Nature Appeal today and encourage nature to flourish.
Article
Fundraising stories: running for the National Trust
Discover how two supporters raised funds by long-distance running: one with a long-distance marathon challenge across North Devon and the other by running and cycling 125km around Trust places to mark our 125th anniversary.