A large group of Macmillan runners at Run Regents Park 2019

Run for charity

Grab your trainers and get active for people living with cancer.
From 5k to 26.2 miles, how far will you go? We have everything you need to help you reach the finish line, find your personal best and support our vital services.

Running for Macmillan

The number one.

Sign up

The number two.

Train and fundraise

The number three.

Run

Choose your distance

Whatever your fitness level, running goal or aspiration, we have running events in all the popular distances. 5K to full Marathon, see what's available and sign up to run for Macmillan. We also answer your FAQs around each distance.

Fundraising support

Training essentials

Three people photographed from behind with their arms around each other wearing green Macmillan running tops

Why your support matters

Find out how your support helps people living with cancer and the ways we make a difference.
Impact of donations
  • Why run for a cause?

    Running for a good cause has a number of benefits both for your chosen charity and for yourself. The biggest benefit to the charity is the much-needed money that your fundraising will provide.

    Running events are also a great way to raise awareness for your charity of choice by proudly wearing one of their running vests. Running is a great way to get outdoors, meet like-minded people and stay fit and healthy.

    Find the right running event for you.

  • How do charity runs work?

    There are hundreds of running events that take place across the UK every year and there is absolutely nothing stopping you from raising money for your chosen charity at any of them.

    All you need to do is set up a JustGiving page and start spreading the word. There are also more exclusive events that take place throughout the year. These are much harder to get a place for, and are run through public ballots. These events allocate a number of charity places, which means runners have a second chance at gaining entry to the event. 

    Take a look at some of the running events where you can represent and support Macmillan.

  • How long are charity runs?

    Whether it’s a 1km fun run that all the family can get involved with, a 10km race, the full marathon or a unique ultra distance challenge such as running from Land’s End to John O’Groats, there is no distance too short or too long when it comes to charity runs. 

    Whatever distance you run, Macmillan has some great advice and training plans to help you along the way.

  • How to promote a charity run

    Once you have decided which run or challenge you want to take on, the next step is to make as many people as possible aware of it. From kickstarting your fundraising and maximising your fundraising online, to top tips on events day, we can support you.

    Check out our fundraising tips.

  • Who takes part in charity runs?

    It doesn’t matter if you’ve never put a pair of running trainers on or if you’re the next Sir Mo Farah or Paula Radcliffe, everyone can take part in a charity run.

    There are so many running events in the UK each year that cater for a wide range of ages and abilities that we’re sure you will be able to find the perfect event for you. And if nothing catches your eye, then why not create your own running challenge. 

    Find your perfect run.

Your running stories

A woman wearing a green Macmillan t-shirt at the London Marathon

Emma started running after her mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. She completed a 10K in 2015 and since then has run the London Marathon three times, all for Macmillan.

"It was really emotional running the London Marathon. By the time I got to mile 22 I was really struggling and thinking, 'I can’t do this'. There was a group of Macmillan supporters there who kept me going and I high fived them all!"