With 50,000 runners taking on the challenge each year and around 750,000 spectators to cheer you on, you too could be a part of the world’s most iconic marathons.
Starting in beautiful Greenwich Park in the South East of the city, during the 26.2 mile route you will take in iconic sites such as the Cutty Sark, Canary Warf, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and, of course, across the magnificent Tower Bridge. You finish up in the centre of the city on the Mall, next to Buckingham Palace.
Use your ballot place to run for Guide Dogs and be a part of #TeamGuideDogs.
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I chose to run for Guide Dogs UK as in 2011 I got injured playing football and lost the sight in my left eye. I have partial vision but not enough to see any definition and my decision to run was because I am scared of losing my sight in my right eye. I'll continue to raise money for Guide Dogs UK knowing how much of a positive impact they have on people's lives. Fundraising is about having belief in humankind. Don’t be afraid to talk to people and tell them why.
Once you’re all signed up to the London Marathon, it’s time to get thinking about that all important fundraising. Reaching your £2,000 target doesn’t need to feel overwhelming, and we’re always on hand with lots of tips and resources to help kick start donations.
We have teamed up with professional personal trainers SMASH Mind and Body to help support you on your marathon training journey. What you can expect:
Join our events community over on Facebook to meet other #TeamGuideDog runners, get reminders and updates, share fundraising tips, and view photos after the race.
A ballot place is one that you have secured yourself directly with London Marathon Events through the ballot. If you have one of these places, we simply ask that you fundraise what you can.
A charity place is one which Guide Dogs has purchased and decides to allocate to you. If you have one of these places, we ask that you raise £2,000 excluding Gift Aid to support our life-changing services.
To secure a place with us, complete our online application including as much information as possible regarding your fundraising plans and how you will reach the £2,000 fundraising target.
Our Events Team will review your application and send our decision within one week of receipt. If you are successful, you will receive an email asking you to contact us to pay your £100 registration fee (non-refundable).
Applying for one of our charity places is easy, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. All successful applicants will receive:
Your Guide Dogs technical running top will be sent out in the post four months prior to race day. Please note this will only be sent to charity runners who have raised £500 and are actively fundraising towards their target. All own place ballot runners will receive their top four months prior too.
It is a common misconception that charities receive free places in the London Marathon. Charities pay for each of its marathon places, which is why we work so hard to support our fundraisers to ensure targets are met.
All #TeamGuideDogs London Marathon runners are given lots of support and advice to help reach the £2,000 fundraising target, including a welcome pack containing inspiration and ideas and access to fundraising materials, such as collection buckets, banners, online resources, and social assets.
You will also have access to our #TeamGuideDogs Facebook community, which is a great place to ask for advice and share fundraising tips.
Not reaching your sponsorship pledge impacts the amazing work Guide Dogs undertakes, so please ensure you are confident in reaching the £2,000 target before applying for a place in this event.
Runners who have failed to raise the amount you have pledged may be placed on a low performance list held by Guide Dogs AND London Marathon. Being placed on this list may affect your chances when applying to future London Marathons and Guide Dogs events. Don’t be overwhelmed, think about cutting the £2,000 sponsorship down into smaller amounts and aim to raise a set amount at a time.
No, Gift Aid is not included in your fundraising total.
We find that the earlier our runners start fundraising, the more they can raise. It also gives you more time to focus on training in the final months before the big day.
You have up to three months after the event date to raise the £2,000 target.
If you have an injury, please let us know as soon as possible, depending on your circumstances we may be able to offer you a deferral.
If you are offered a London Marathon place with #TeamGuideDogs, we will provide you with vital information on how to complete your registration via the London Marathon console. Please action as per our instructions to secure your place in the event. Failure to complete the console will risk your place in this event.
You can reach the team by phone Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm or email us - we'd love to hear from you!