Charity Runs London

Due to COVID-19 restrictions the usual upcoming running events calendar is subject to many cancellations, changes and much uncertainty! This doesn't mean our running heroes can't support us, we know how amazing you are and how hard you work for us, so we have our Million Miles Challenge, a virtual run that you can do whenever and wherever you can – and every step you run counts. Find out more here.

#MillionMiles

Whether you’re an accomplished runner looking for a new charity run in London to tackle or a total novice wanting to challenge yourself by running for charity, there are hundreds of charity runs to choose from in the London area throughout 2019 and beyond. From shorter family fun runs and 5k events to obstacle runs and full marathons, you can find London charity runs that fits your level of running experience but still provides a challenge and helps you raise some money for a great cause. You can choose to fundraise for Alder Hey Children’s Charity when you run, helping to fund life-changing and life-saving research for thousands of children and their families. You can find out more about how the money you raise is used by clicking here. 

Great charity runs in London for all the family

If you’ve got little ones that love to run and want to join in the fundraising effort, they certainly can! Try the Kid’s Mile and 500m race at Richmond Funfest in Sept 2019. Taking place in the Old Deer Park in Richmond as part of the Richmond Food & Fitness Expo, there is a 500m race specifically aimed at children in Reception to Year 2. The longer 1-mile course forms two loops around the beautiful Old Deer Park and is aimed at children older than Year 2. There is also an all-inclusive mile race which welcomes children with special needs and has a great friendly and non-competitive atmosphere, where all children taking part receive a medal. Children can help raise money for charity by getting sponsorship to complete the race. At the same London charity run on the following day, you can instead opt to run all together as a family in the Family Mile @ Richmond Runfest. 2019 standard entry costs £12.50.

Another great charity run in London for all the family is the Supernova, at London’s Olympic Park on the evening of Friday 18th October. A 5k fun run that is designed for everyone, from kids to grandparents, you’re encouraged to bring out the Day-Glo clothing, along with anything that glows or flashes, and take a run around the iconic venues in the area. Under 15s should be accompanied by an adult and all participants receive a goody bag – with an LED head torch included, along with a medal and other fun mementos of this great experience. Entries cost £18.25/£20.25 for the 2019 charity run London.

If your family includes a canine who also loves to run – they don’t need to be left out of all the fun! Why not try the 5k Dog Jog, held at Crystal Palace on 19th October 2019? With a fun and relaxed atmosphere, you can raise money for charity by getting sponsorship for you and your doggy pal to complete the course. At the finish, you receive a goody bag (doggy bag) full of treats for you and your pet. Great exercise for you both and a fun day out with lots of other like-minded dogs and their active owners; standard entries cost £16.50 for an adult and one dog, with options available for additional dogs. What’s not to love?

Lee Valley VeloPark  - 5k, 10k, 10-mile or Half Marathon

You can choose from a wide range of distances in this London charity run on November 30th 2019 at the Olympic Park in London. If you’re just starting off with running, the 5k could still be a great way to challenge yourself, and for more experienced runners, the 10k, 10-mile or half marathon distances are a sure way to test your fitness, stamina and resolve. Children can also join in the free kids’ mile. Entry fees vary, depending on the distance you choose to run, from £10 - £22.

London Marathons

For many runners ‘The London Marathon’ is the pinnacle of the running calendar every year. If you can get a place, it’s an incredible charity run in London to be part of, and a great way to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Charity. However, if you’re looking for an alternative race of the same distance in the London area, there are other options to choose from, including the Thames Meander Marathon in November 2019. With a flat riverside trail, this marathon offers fabulous scenery and a half-marathon distance is also available. Entries cost from £38 for the marathon and £30 for the half marathon. 

Whatever charity run in London during 2019 that you opt for, prepare ahead of time for the run with a training plan and remember to enjoy the surroundings and support from spectators as you run on the day. If you want to set up an online sponsorship page for people to donate to when they sponsor you, try Just Giving or Virgin Money Giving. Both of these sites will deal with gift aid and will transfer the money directly to Alder Hey Children’s Charity after the London charity run.

For more charity runs, view our

Running Events Calendar