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.

Newcastle-Gateshead Marathon

3 May 2026

This closed-road course around Newcastle and Gateshead takes you around some iconic North East landmarks.

Sold out! Please note that places for this event are no longer available. We hope to have places again for 2027.

Leeds Marathon

10 May 2026

The first Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon saw over 10,000 participants take the streets of Leeds, taking in some of the city's most scenic countryside and outer suburbs. Join them again this year!

Registration deadline: 30 April 2026
Registration fee: £15
Minimum fundraising target: £150

Loch Ness Marathon

The Loch Ness Marathon follows a spectacular point-to-point route alongside world-famous Loch Ness, starting in an atmospheric moorland setting and continuing through stunning Highland scenery.

Sold out! Please note that places for this event are no longer available. We hope to have places again for 2027.

Chester Marathon

4 October 2026

Chester is the only marathon in the UK that spans across both England and Wales. The route takes in the beautiful surrounding landscapes and villages that both countries have to offer.

Registration deadline: 1 September 2026
Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £150

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

Half Marathons

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

Cardiff Half Marathon

4 October 2026

Pass through the city’s most breath-taking scenery and iconic landmarks including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, Civic Centre and stunning Cardiff Bay.

Sold out! Please note that places for this event are no longer available. We hope to have places again for 2027.

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

10Ks

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.

Hampton Court Palace 10K

10 May 2026

Run yourself into the history books with the Hampton Court Palace 10K! Starting and finishing inside the palace grounds – this iconic course takes you out along The Barge Walk and back through Home Park.

Registration deadline: 29 April 2026
Registration fee: £10
Minimum fundraising target: £150

Edinburgh 10K (Edinburgh Running Festival)

23 May 2026

There are 9 races on offer over two days including the fantastic 10K route.

Registration deadline: 4 May 2026
Registration fee: £15
Minimum fundraising target: £150