London Marathon

Our TCS London Marathon 2026 charity places are officially open for applications! Join Team Back Up today.

Apply for a charity place

The London Marathon 2026 is truly an achievement of a lifetime. One of the world’s most famous marathons, it is also the largest annual fundraising event on the planet – runners have raised over £750 million for good causes since the race began in 1981.

In 2025, 10 incredible runners took on the TCS London Marathon for Back Up – Alastair, Jamie, Susie, Katie, Gavin, Harry, Frankie, Claire, Anna, and Alan – helping to raise over £34,000.

How to enter the London Marathon 2026

Join the #TeamBackUp – apply for a charity place!

We have a limited number of London Marathon 2026 charity places available each year.

If you’re interested in a charity place for the London Marathon 2026, please complete our application form as early as possible. This allows us to review all applications and choose our team of runners.

Applications will close on Sunday, 13th July 2025, and the outcomes will be communicated via email in early August 2025.

Apply for a charity place

Official ballot and own place runners

While applying directly with us is an option, we strongly encourage everyone to also apply for the London Marathon public ballot to increase your chances of securing a place. If you’re successful in the ballot, you can still run and raise money for Back Up, receiving all the same support and benefits.

The ballot is open from Friday 25 April 2025 and closes on Friday 2 May 2025. 

Photography

We will be taking photos and videos at the London Marathon for use in Back Up’s fundraising and marketing materials. If you want to find out more about how photos and videos will be used, or if you’re attending this challenge and do not wish to be featured, please contact our fundraising team using the details at the bottom of this page.

You can find the link to our terms and conditions at the bottom of this page.