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

Brighton Marathon

12 April 2026

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.

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

Manchester Marathon

19 April 2026

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.

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

Newcastle-Gateshead Marathon

3 May 2026

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

Registration deadline: 13 April 2026
Registration fee: £10
Minimum fundraising target: £150

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

Edinburgh Marathon (Edinburgh Running Festival)

24 May 2026

The Edinburgh Marathon route is one of the fastest in the UK. If you want to set a new personal best while raising money for medical research, this is the challenge for you. The full weekend of events attracts around 30,000 runners, with thousands more lining the course to support.

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

Half Marathons

Surrey Half Marathon

22 March 2026

The Surrey Half Marathon boasts a picturesque course and follows a professionally marked and measured single loop from central Woking into the surrounding countryside.

Registration deadline: 9 March 2026
Registration fee: £10
Minimum fundraising target: £250

Birmingham Half Marathon (Birmingham Running Festival)

5 April 2026

We’re back for our next Birmingham Running Festival at the wonderful Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham.

Registration deadline: 16 March 2026
Registration fee: £10
Minimum fundraising target: £150

London Landmarks Half Marathon

12 April 2026

The London Landmarks Half Marathon is a closed road, central London run and is the only half marathon to go through both the City of London and City of Westminster.

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

Hackney Half Marathon

17 May 2026

The Hackney Half is the highlight of London's running calendar. This is an unforgettable weekend of movement, sport and entertainment.

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

Edinburgh Half Marathon (Edinburgh Running Festival)

24 May 2026

Starting in Edinburgh, the half marathon course heads out through East Lothian offering stunning views and an unforgettable running experience.

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

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

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.

Registration deadline: 3 August 2026
Registration fee: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £250

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

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

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: £25
Minimum fundraising target: £350

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