Skip to content
Please donate

TCS London Marathon charity places

An illustration of the London skiyline

Join Team Age UK

Take part in the iconic London Marathon with a charity place for Age UK.

Experience running amongst the capital’s historic landmarks whilst raising money for older people who need us.

Be part of our 2025 Marathon team and you’ll not only be taking on the challenge of a lifetime, you’ll also be helping Age UK to reach even more older people who need us.

About the London Marathon

  • When: Sunday 27 April 2025
  • Where: London 
  • Distance: 26.2 miles
  • Why: Change people's lives

What you’ll get from Age UK

  • First class 1-1 personal support with your fundraising and training 
  • The loudest cheering squads on the route to get you to the finish line
  • A fantastic post-race reception with complimentary sports massage, hot meal and celebratory drink
  • Technical Age UK running vest & iron-on letters
  • Zoom training sessions from our professional fitness coaches at Smash Body & Mind
  • A dedicated Facebook group to chat with your fellow Age UK runners
  • Fundraising ideas and materials
  • Age UK cotton t-shirt to wear out and about

Ways to join the team

Our charity places for 2025 are now full!

Thank you to everyone who's signed up to run with Team Age UK. If you've got a spot through the ballot, we'd love you to run with us too.

How does it work if I have my own place?

If you're lucky enough to have your own place through the TCS London Marathon public ballot and would like to raise money for Age UK please email us at fundraise@ageuk.org.uk. You'll receive the same great support as other team members but won't have a fundraising target - just raise as much as you can.

I wanted to say the biggest thank you ever for how well the marathon was organised from start to finish.  The time and dedication you put in to supporting the runners, answering millions of questions and making sure all ran smoothly was phenomenal. 

Adam | 2024 runner

The event afterwards was superb, the facilities, the food and drink but more importantly how welcoming everyone was to family and friends too. 

Jo | 2024 runner

I lost my Mum to Dementia in Dec 23 and throughout the last 5 years, Age UK were a great support for advice to myself and my sister. I would like to raise funds to allow this amazing work to continue to support others.

Luci | 2024 runner

Why run for Age UK?

When someone's desperately lonely and just needs to hear another voice, we're there for them.

When they've lost the person they love the most, we're there to help them find the strength to carry on.

When an older person is forced to live in a freezing house because they're worried about the cost of heating, we give them the support they need to regain control.

We're here because everyone deserves a place to turn to when times are tough.

And with the support of people like you, we can continue to be there.  

Resources for your run

Use our training plans, fundraising guide and sweepstake pack to get ready for your run and boost donations.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When will I find out if my application for a charity place has been successful?

If your application has been successful, we will be in touch via email within 7 working days to agree a time for a phone conversation to talk through fundraising plans and next steps.  We aim to respond to everyone applying for a place but if you haven’t heard back from us in 14 working days, please assume you have not been successful.  

 

Top of section

How can I raise money?

We’ll help you set up an online fundraising page. The best way to start is to personalise your page with a photo, your story and then share it far & wide. You can also organise fundraising activities and events to boost your total and we have plenty of ideas and branded materials to give you a kick start.  

Top of section

Why is there a minimum fundraising target for charity places?

Each charity place provides a valuable source of fundraising for Age UK. We set a minimum fundraising target to cover the cost of the place and support for our runners as well as ensuring each runners raises vital funds to help us reach older people who need support.  

 

Top of section

What happens if I don’t raise the minimum fundraising amount?

If you find you are struggling to reach your fundraising target, we are here to help with advice, ideas and materials. We would ask you to continue with your fundraising until you reached your target and we’ll continue to support you. We would never ask you to pay the difference personally.

Top of section

How do I get an Age UK running vest?

Your fundraising pack containing your technical running vest, iron-on letters, fundraising guide and fundraising materials will be sent out to you ahead of the event.

Top of section

Will Age UK have a cheer point?

Yes! We will have cheer points around to route to welcome your friends and family to, and to give you the biggest boost as you pass.

Top of section

Will there be a post-race reception?

Yes! We host a post-race reception for all of our runners plus friends and family, just 5 minutes from the finish line. You will get a complimentary hot meal, drink and sports massage plus a goody bag and congratulations from the Age UK team.

Top of section

Do you provide fundraising materials?

Yes, we can send you a fundraising guide, sweepstake form, poster to promote events, balloons, bunting, money boxes and collection buckets.

Top of section

What if I’m injured and can’t run?

If you’re not able to take part please let us know at the earliest opportunity. We can roll your place over to the following year. We can also roll any fundraising done to date to the following year.

Top of section

What if I get a ballot place?

If you’re lucky enough to get a ballot place, you can still be part of the Age UK team and receive all the perks and support, but with no minimum fundraising target – just raise as much as you can.

Top of section

Do you have any training support?

Yes. We have a fantastic team from SMASH Body & Mind who provide training plans, advice on nutrition and hydration, injury prevention and, most importantly, how to mentally prepare for the race. We arrange Zoom calls with our SMASH coaches in the run up to the event and they can also provide 1-1 advice to Age UK team members.

Top of section

Questions?

If you have any further questions, please get in touch with us at fundraise@ageuk.org.uk

Become part of our story

Sign up today

Back to top