The TCS London Marathon is the world’s most successful one-day annual fundraising event, having raised well over £1 billion for thousands of charities since its first edition in 1981. Charities and their supporters play a crucial part in the event's ongoing success.

London Marathon Events (LME) is looking to appoint a charity, or partnership of charities, that is looking to fund an innovative project (or projects) that will create a lasting impact for its beneficiaries. We’re interested in projects that will be financially sustainable and deliver long-term benefits to the organisation. 

What does our 2026 Charity of the Year receive?

• 250 guaranteed places at ballot price in 2026, plus 50 in 2027, 25 in 2028 and 10 in 2029. These places are in addition to any places your charity may already hold.

• Exclusive use of the title ‘Charity of the Year’ in the 12 months from the end of the 2025 event up to the 2026 event.

• Other benefits including opportunities to feature in communications to participants, dedicated social media posts, invitations to media functions, introductions to event sponsors, support from our London Marathon Events PR team and more.