The world’s most popular marathon, and the biggest annual one-day fundraising event!
The money raised by our London Marathon fundraisers is essential to our work to improve the lives of people affected by ME, in 2024, Team Action for ME raised over £30,000!
The London Marathon first took place in 1981, more than 1.3million people have completed the course and over £1.3 billion has been raised for charity. You could be part of this amazing heritage. The route takes in many of London's best landmarks including Buckingham Palace, The Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.
Date
Sunday 26th April 2026
Location
London, UK
How can I take part?
Apply for a Charity Place
Achieve a fundraising target
We fund your place in the event, and in return you agree to raise at least £2000 and pay a £100 registration fee. Our fundraising team will be here to support you every step of the way. You must enter the public ballot to be considered for a charity place.
How to Apply
- Apply for the London Marathon public ballot when it opens (usually April - May).
The public ballot usually opens shortly after the previous year’s event for around a week. You can follow @londonmarathon for updates, or go to their website
- Let us know if you were successful or unsuccesful in the ballot.
- If you were succesful in the ballot - you can now self-fund your place. Register to fundraise for us using your ballot place.
- If you were unsuccessful - apply for a charity place when applications are open (usually May - June).
The public ballot is closed and we have allocated all of our charity places for the 2026 event. Register to get an update when our applications open for 2027.
What Support Will I Get?
You get the same support whether you have a charity or self-funded place:
- Regular email communication from our Community Fundraising Officer, including fundraising advice, best practice and useful resources.
- Dedicated support from our experienced fundraising team to help you achieve your target.
- An Action for ME running vest once you have raised £100
- Action for ME fundraising materials by request.
Self-Fund Your Place
No minimum fundraising required
If you are successful in the public ballot, you can use your ballot place to raise money for Action for ME!
Perfect if you don't want the hassle of applying and reaching a fundraising target, or if you would simply prefer to purchase your own place.
How to Apply
- Apply for the London Marathon public ballot when it opens (usually April - May).
The public ballot usually opens shortly after the previous year’s event for around a week. You can follow @londonmarathon for updates, or go to their website
- If you are successful in the ballot, accept your place with the event organisers.
- Let us know you want to fundraise for us by filling in this form.
The public ballot is closed, but if you were successful you can still register to fundraise for Action for ME.
What Support Will I Get?
You get the same support whether you have a charity or self-funded place:
- Regular email communication from our Community Fundraising Officer, including fundraising advice, best practice and useful resources.
- Dedicated support from our experienced fundraising team to help you achieve your target.
- An Action for ME running vest once you have raised £100
- Action for ME fundraising materials by request.
Self-Fund Your TCS London Marathon MyWay
No minimum fundraising required
Sign up to complete the 26.2 miles in your own way on the day of the London Marathon, and still raise money to create change for people affected by ME. You don't need a ballot place or a charity place, you won't have a minimum fundraising target to reach, so you can set your own! Find out more.
How to Apply
Sign up through the event organisers website here, and choose to fundraise for Action for ME when you purchase your place.
What Support Will I Get?
You get the same support whether you have a charity or self-funded place:
- Regular email communication from our Community Fundraising Officer, including fundraising advice, best practice and useful resources.
- Dedicated support from our experienced fundraising team to help you achieve your target.
- An Action for ME running vest once you have raised £100
- Action for ME fundraising materials by request.
