Running and challenge events /

TCS London Marathon

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Apply for a charity place

Join Team #BrainResearchUK and take on the 2026 London Marathon to help fund life-changing neurological research.

Applications for a charity place to join Team #BrainResearchUK in 2026 are now open!

Why be a part of Team #BrainResearchUK?

We are the leading dedicated funder of neurological research in the UK. Our vision is a world where everyone with a neurological condition lives better, longer.

Your every step will:

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We support our incredible team of runners with:

  • A Team #BrainResearchUK training and fundraising pack.
  • A professional running coach, Nicky Edwards from Chiltern Physiotherapy.
  • In person and online team meet ups.
  • Practice runs along the official 2026 London Marathon route.
  • Expert fundraising support and materials from our team.
  • A specially commissioned Brain Research UK running top.
  • Social media and WhatsApp groups so you can share tips with fellow Team #BrainResearchUK runners and alumni.
  • An opportunity to share your story (if you would like to).
  • Race day cheer squads and a post-race meet up to celebrate you on the big day!
Apply for one of our charity places

Also apply for the ballot

We recommend that everyone who would like to run the TCS London Marathon, applies through the ballot – it gives you an additional chance to get a place on the event.

Results for the ballot will be released in the Summer, so do let us know how you get on. If you are successful in the ballot, you can still run for Team #BrainResearchUK! We welcome all ballot place runners and all runners receive exactly the same support regardless of the type of place you hold.

You can apply for the 2026 ballot on the TCS London Marathon website.

FAQs

Is there a registration fee to take part?

Yes, there is a £100 registration fee.

What’s your minimum fundraising target?

We don’t operate a system of minimum fundraising targets. Instead, we review your connection the cause, your fundraising plan, your fundraising target and whether you have supported the charity previously. Please answer these questions in the application with as much information as you can.

I don’t know what to put down as a target in my application

If you are unsure of what to set as a fundraising target, we recommend considering the following:

  • Previous fundraising experiences: Have you fundraised before? If so, how did it go? Could you improve on anything to increase your fundraising total?
  • Your network: Do you have anyone that may be able to help you with your fundraising (family, friends, social groups, etc)?
  • Your workplace: Lots of companies now provide some form of matched funding, that can really boost your total! Why not ask your workplace if they would help to sponsor you?

I ran with you last year, can I apply again?

It is wonderful that you enjoyed your Marathon journey with us and would like to join our team again. Please do apply but do bear in mind that this doesn’t guarantee you a place.  We receive a lot of applications and will review each of them.

What happens if I don’t hit my target – do I have to pay for the rest?

We will never ask you to ‘make up the difference’ if you are short of your fundraising target. Instead, we will offer you lots of support and, if necessary, a short extension of the fundraising deadline. You will have until September 2026 to complete your fundraising.

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Please note all runners must agree to our Terms and Conditions in order to join the team.

Apply for a charity place

Contact us

Please get in touch if you'd like to talk to us about any aspect of the London Marathon by emailing events@brainresearchuk.org.uk  or calling 020 7404 9982.