Running and walking events

The difference your challenge makes

As a broad funder, we support research that answers the most important medical research questions of the time and will have the biggest possible impact on people’s lives. Every step you take for the Medical Research Foundation will help to bring hope to people who experience overlooked and underfunded health conditions.

Choose your challenge

We’ve secured charity places for some of the UK’s most iconic running events, from 10Ks to full marathons and beyond. Browse our list of events across the country, pick the one that inspires you, and sign up in just a few clicks.

Marathons

London Marathon 2027

We have had a number of enquiries about London Marathon places. Unfortunately, the Foundation doesn’t have any places available.

However, if you’re lucky enough to secure a spot through the ballot, you’re very welcome to run in support of us. Simply contact the fundraising team, who will be with you every step of the way.

Yorkshire Marathon

18 October 2026

The Yorkshire Marathon has been a monster success since day one. In many ways, it’s the jewel in White Rose County's sporting crown. Every year, thousands of runners of all abilities take to its truly breathtaking course.

Registration deadline: 28 September 2026
Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £150

Battersea Park Running Festival Marathon

24 October 2026

Lace up for a spectacular day in one of London’s most picturesque parks. Battersea Park’s flat loops, tree-lined paths, and energetic atmosphere set the scene for a brilliant race day whether you are chasing a personal best or soaking up the sights.

Registration fee: £20
Minimum fundraising target: £100

Brighton Marathon

4 April 2027

With a stunning backdrop of the sea in one of the country's most vibrant cities, the race gets bigger and better every year. Renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and roaring crowd support, the course winds through the city streets, finishing up on the spectacular Brighton seafront.

Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £200

Manchester Marathon

18 April 2027

The adidas Manchester Marathon, the UK's second largest marathon and one of Europe's largest is an iconic event drawing participants from all over the world to the vibrant streets of Greater Manchester.

Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £300

Half Marathons

Reigate Half Marathon

20 September 2026

This much loved sell-out annual running and community event guarantees you fantastic scenery, an unbeatable atmosphere and a memorable experience.

Registration fee: £20
Minimum fundraising target: £100

Swindon Half Marathon

27 September 2026

Join us for Road closed route through Swindon and the surrounding countryside, past the villages of Wanborough, Badbury and Medbourne.

Registration deadline: 16 September 2026
Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £150

Robin Hood Half Marathon (Nottingham)

27 September 2026

A picturesque route taking you along Victoria Embankment, River Trent, past Nottingham Castle, Robin Hood statue, The Park and Wollaton Park.

Registration deadline: 28 July 2026
Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £150

Bournemouth Half Marathon

11 October 2026

Breathtaking views of the sea, cool coastal routes and the highlights of Poole and Bournemouth will be on show at this fantastic Half Marathon and Festival event.

Registration deadline: 14 September 2026
Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £150

Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon

11 October 2026

Run yourself into the history books with the return of The Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon! Starting and finishing inside the palace grounds – this iconic course takes you out along The Barge Walk and back through Home Park.

Registration deadline: 28 September 2026
Registration fee: £10
Minimum fundraising target: £150

Oxford Half Marathon

11 October 2026

This awesome course is fast and flat, it proudly guides runners through the pristine and winding streets of Oxford in all its historic delight.

Registration deadline: 10 August 2026
Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £250

London Royal Parks Half Marathon

11 October 2026

This stunning central London Half Marathon, takes in some of the capital's world-famous landmarks on closed roads, and four of London's eight Royal Parks.

Registration deadline: 5 May 2026
Registration fee: £20
Minimum fundraising target: £250

Hertfordshire Half Marathon

1 November 2026

The Hertfordshire Half Marathon is a closed road event which gives runners a rare opportunity to have the roads for themselves, exploring the beautiful gardens of Knebworth Park before leading out to the surrounding countryside.

Registration deadline: 5 October 2026
Registration fee: £10
Minimum fundraising target: £150

Alton Towers Half Marathon

15 November 2026

Starting and finishing within Alton Towers Theme Park this is an event for the entire family. Earn yourself a unique themed medal before enjoying the incredible rides at the park.

Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £100

Surrey Half Marathon

21 March 2027

The Half Marathon boasts unparalleled PB potential and follows a professionally marked and measured single loop from central Woking into the surrounding countryside.

Registration fee: £20
Minimum fundraising target: £100

10Ks and hikes

Cotswold Way 10K walk

13 June 2026

Join the Medical Research Foundation at our Cirencester basecamp for the start of the 10km looped route through the heart of the Cotswolds. With a number of signups already, it'll be a stunning setting for raising money for life-changing research as a group.

Registration fee: £49
Minimum fundraising target: £50

If you are an employee of the MRC and would like to sign up for this challenge, please contact the Fundraising team – fundraising@medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk.

Derbyshire Dales Hiking

13 September 2026

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bakewell Showground, this trail hiking event offers three incredible route options: Half Marathon, 15K, and 9.5K, each taking you on a journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Peak District.

• Derbyshire Dales 9K
• Derbyshire Dales 15K
• Derbyshire Dales 21K

Registration fee: £15
Minimum fundraising target: £100

New Forest Hiking

14 November 2026

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bakewell Showground, this trail hiking event offers three incredible route options: Half Marathon, 15K, and 9.5K, each taking you on a journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Peak District.

• New Forest 10K
• New Forest 17K
• New Forest 21K

Registration fee: £15
Minimum fundraising target: £150

Other distances and ultramarathons

The Peak District Challenge

Test yourself over long distances with the different options for taking on the Peak District Challenge - all taking place on 18 and 19 September 2026.

• Copper Challenge - 25K
• Bronze Challenge - 50K
• Silver Challenge - 75K
• Gold Challenge - 100K
• 100 Miles in 24 hours