Run the London Marathon

People taking part in an organised run through a city — Run the London Marathon and help fundraise for us | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Join our team of runners and help us raise funds to care for nature, beauty and history. If you'd like to take part, you can apply for a 2026 TCS London Marathon charity place.

We're looking for runners to join our team in the 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April.

If you're active, up for a challenge and want to raise money to help our cause, you can apply for one of our charity places today.

We ask all runners to raise at least £2,000, which can go towards any part of our work that is special to you. This could be your favourite National Trust place, our Plant a Tree Appeal, our work on climate action, or simply where the need is greatest.

By choosing to raise funds for us, you'll be helping us care for historic buildings and objects, maintain rivers and coastline and look after wildlife-rich environments.

Step by step, your marathon miles will make a big difference to the work we’re able to do.

Key information

If you'd like to apply for a charity place in the marathon, here's what you'll need to know:

Date: Sunday 26 April 2026
Total distance: 26.2 miles
Registration fee: £50
Fundraising target: £2,000

You'll be supported along the way with tips on fundraising, training and nutrition. You'll also receive a National Trust running vest and an eco-medal when you reach the finish line.

Our fundraising team will be on hand, supporting you every step of the way.

Application phases

There will be two application phases:

Phase 1: Anyone can apply for a place from 27 April until 11.59pm on 31 May.
Phase 2: If you’re a National Trust member, there will be another chance to apply for one of our members-only places from 11 June to 11.59 on 2 July.

If you're successful, we'll be in touch via email by 18 July. Unfortunately, we're unable to get back to unsuccessful applicants.

Who can apply?

You must be at least 18-years-old on race day. Whatever your ability, if you want to run in the marathon, we want to hear from you. We welcome everyone to apply – if you need a support runner, or have other accessibility requirements, we'll work with you to ensure you can take part in the marathon.

How to apply

To apply for a place in the 2026 London Marathon, please fill in the application form.

Tell us as much as you can about why you'd like to raise money for us, why you support our work and how you plan to fundraise £2,000 or more.

Whether you're an experienced runner, or embarking on your first marathon, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now

Already have a place in the marathon?

If you have a place via the public ballot and would like to raise money for us, we'd love to hear from you. Simply email the team at fundraise@nationaltrust.org.uk.

You'll get all the benefits of being part of our National Trust running team whilst helping our cause.

By choosing to support us, you'll be helping protect nature, beauty and history for everyone, for ever.

I was very proud to run the London Marathon for the National Trust. It was such as positive experience. Whilst running the best marathon in the world, I was supported by the wonderful people who work and volunteer for the National Trust

A quote by Mark Nolan

Terms and conditions

The rules below apply to all voluntary fundraising activities. By signing up to fundraise for us you agree to comply with them.

1. You agree to organise fundraising activities as an independent supporter of the National Trust. Please refer to raising money 'in aid of' the National Trust, rather than on the National Trust's behalf.

2. You agree to comply with any instructions or guidance provided by the National Trust relating to your fundraising activity, but it's your responsibility to organise all aspects of any fundraising activity you do.

3. You'll be responsible for any costs, taxes or expenses in connection with your fundraising activity.

4. Unless the National Trust has given you branded materials as a result of your registration, you may only use the National Trust's name and logo for your fundraising activities with our written permission, and in accordance with the National Trust brand guidelines.

To apply for permission, you'll need to let us know how you propose to use the National Trust name and/or logo on your own materials by emailing fundraise@nationaltrust.org.uk and provide us with examples and/or samples of such use if we request it.
1. You agree to pay all of the proceeds raised by your fundraising event to the National Trust as soon as possible after the event (and subject to any agreed timescale), and in accordance with the National Trust's instructions. You may not deduct any costs unless otherwise agreed with the National Trust.

2. You'll encourage your donors and/or sponsors to make Gift Aid declarations where eligible, which may enable us to recover basic rate tax on such donations. Further information about the Gift Aid scheme can be found on our website.
1. The National Trust will store and use the personal data you provide when you sign up to fundraise for us on the lawful basis of contract. We will use the information you provide to contact you about your fundraising activity and follow up on your progress.

2. Your personal information may also be used for the purposes of sending communications to you, where you've agreed that you would like to receive further information about the Trust's work.

3. All personal data held by us will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws and the National Trust's privacy statement which can be found on our privacy policy
1. You accept that any risks arising out of your fundraising activity are your responsibility, including liability for any injury or loss which may occur to you, your helpers or guests. You will therefore take all reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of all those participating in, involved with or attending your activity.

2. You will comply with any applicable laws and regulations relating to your fundraising activity, including obtaining any necessary licences, consents or permissions, e.g., if you're holding a raffle or lottery, or are proposing to sell alcohol.

3. You acknowledge and accept that the National Trust's insurance policy will not cover your fundraising activities.

4. You will not do anything that threatens the National Trust's reputation or name. If you do, the National Trust has the right to ask you to stop your fundraising activity immediately.