Whether running the London Marathon is on your bucket list, you’re seeking a new personal best or you have personal experience of this devastating disease, if you run for Meningitis Research Foundation you will be supported every step of the way.

In October 2022, MRF had one of our biggest teams yet, with over 150 people taking on the TCS London Marathon to defeat meningitis. For so many of our runners, taking on this challenge was for personal reasons and a deeply emotional and inspirational experience.

Emily, who lost a close friend to meningitis two years ago, and whose mother contracted meningitis and had subsequent limb amputations, said: "When my lungs hurt, I think of the life still in them. My friend Jess doesn’t have that. When my legs hurt, I think of the ability to use them. Mum doesn’t have that. That’s what drives me. I can’t bring Jess back or change what happened to mum. But what I can do is raise awareness to hopefully prevent this happening to other families. Quite simply, if I could change the outcome for just one person, I’d run 1000 miles."

The race to defeat meningitis is global and we love having international runners representing Meningitis Research Foundation. We’ve welcomed runners to Team MRF from India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Canada and the USA, helping them feel at home in this iconic event.

The atmosphere and palpable buzz of the TCS London Marathon is incredibly special. We go the extra mile to make your experience one to remember. From the moment you sign up to run for #TeamMRF, we are on hand with fundraising tips, advice and resources from your dedicated charity fundraiser and online support group. On Event Day, we are there to cheer you on around the course and offer you a post-marathon reception where you can relax with your family and fellow #TeamMRF runners.

Caroline, who previously completed the London Marathon for Meningitis Research Foundation, said: "I’ve had a fantastic experience running as part of Team MRF. There’s such a nice community feel which really helps when you need that extra bit of motivation!"

As a member of our team, you’ll help us to achieve our goal of defeating meningitis wherever it exists. Your contribution will enable us to fund vital research into the disease, provide life-saving awareness information and support those who have lost a loved one or are coping with the after effects of this disease.

For the first time in history, there is a Global Road Map to Defeat Meningitis by 2030. By turning the World Health Organisation’s road map into reality, it could save more than 200,000 lives every year and significantly reduce disabilities caused by meningitis.

We are incredibly grateful to all our marathon runners who put in so much effort to train and fundraise. Not only are they helping to bring greater attention to a global health issue that needs to be defeated, but every penny raised will be used to fund vital projects and support families impacted by this devastating disease.

To sign up to join Team MRF at the 2023 TCS London Marathon, click here.