Second door
A bib for a cause
Ballot odds are thin. Official charity programmes are the legitimate other route into London, Boston, New York, Chicago and a long list of city races. You raise a published minimum; they give you a place. Never buy a bib from a stranger.
Macmillan Cancer Support
United KingdomCancer care
Races · TCS London Marathon, Berlin, Paris, and UK city races
Typical ask · London often from £2,000–£2,500
One of the largest London Marathon charity fields. Places are released in waves; join the mailing list rather than refreshing once.
Official programmeCancer Research UK
United KingdomCancer research
Races · London Marathon, Great North Run, UK marathons
Typical ask · London typically around £2,000+
Ballot rejects often move here. Fundraising support and a kit pack are part of the place.
Official programmeBritish Heart Foundation
United KingdomHeart and circulatory disease
Races · London Marathon and UK road races
Typical ask · London typically around £2,000+
Strong training resources and a large on-course cheer presence in London.
Official programmeMind
United KingdomMental health
Races · London Marathon, Brighton, Manchester, Leeds
Typical ask · Varies by race; London is the highest threshold
Good fit if you want the cause to sit next to the mental load of a long block.
Official programmeAlzheimer’s Society
United KingdomDementia
Races · London Marathon and UK events
Typical ask · London typically around £2,000+
Places go quickly after the London ballot result day.
Official programmeGreat Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity
United KingdomChildren’s hospital
Races · TCS London Marathon
Typical ask · London typically around £2,500+
Highly competitive London places. Apply early and have a fundraising story ready.
Official programmeShelter
United KingdomHousing and homelessness
Races · London Marathon and UK races
Typical ask · Varies by event
Regular London and regional running places. Check current events on their site.
Official programmeTeam In Training (Blood Cancer United)
United StatesBlood cancers
Races · Boston, Chicago, NYC, and dozens of other marathons
Typical ask · Often $2,000–$5,000+ depending on the race
Coached team model: you get a training plan and a community, not just a bib. Formerly Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Official programmeSt. Jude Heroes
United StatesChildhood cancer
Races · World Marathon Majors and US marathons
Typical ask · Major-race packages vary; expect a four-figure minimum
Limited Major entries each year. Chicago and New York are the usual flags.
Official programmeFred’s Team (Memorial Sloan Kettering)
United StatesCancer research
Races · TCS New York City Marathon, NYC Half, London, Berlin
Typical ask · NYC typically in the mid four figures
Named for Fred Lebow. Deep NYC Marathon roots and a serious fundraising culture.
Official programmeTeam One Step
United StatesKids with cancer (camp)
Races · Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo, Sydney
Typical ask · Package pricing; 2026 Chicago listed as sold out at last check
Guaranteed Major entries in return for fundraising that sends children to camp.
Official programmeAlzheimer’s Association — Team End ALZ
United StatesAlzheimer’s and dementia
Races · Boston, Chicago, New York City
Typical ask · Set by each race’s official charity programme
Boston is application-based through the BAA Official Charity Program.
Official programmeNYRR Team for Kids
United StatesYouth running and health
Races · TCS New York City Marathon and NYRR events
Typical ask · Fundraising minimum set each year by NYRR
The most direct charity route into the New York City Marathon for many runners.
Official programmeChicago Marathon Charity Program
United States100+ official partner charities
Races · Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Typical ask · Set by each partner charity
Entries are first-come through the official Charity Index, not a single organisation. Pick a cause, then apply.
Official programmeBoston Marathon Official Charity Program
United StatesBAA-selected nonprofits
Races · Boston Marathon
Typical ask · Often $5,000–$10,000+ per official charity
If you do not have a qualifying time, this is the legitimate Boston route. Apply to a listed charity, not a reseller.
Official programmeAmerican Cancer Society DetermiNation
United StatesCancer
Races · US marathons including Majors when allocated
Typical ask · Varies by event
National endurance programme with coached training groups in many cities.
Official programmeTeam Tillman (Pat Tillman Foundation)
United StatesMilitary service members and spouses (scholarships)
Races · New York City and Chicago charity bibs
Typical ask · Set per race season
Smaller team, high-touch. NYC and Chicago are the usual allocations.
Official programmeTCS London Marathon — Charity entries
United Kingdom500+ official charity partners
Races · TCS London Marathon
Typical ask · Most partners ask £2,000–£3,000
The ballot is a lottery. Charity is the reliable second door. Browse official partners only — never buy a bib.
Official programmeUNICEF
InternationalChildren worldwide
Races · London, Paris and other city marathons (varies by year)
Typical ask · Set per national committee and race
Check your national UNICEF committee; places are not global-one-queue.
Official programmeMédecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders
InternationalEmergency medical care
Races · London, NYC and selected city marathons
Typical ask · Set by each national office
UK, US and other offices run separate endurance programmes. Apply locally.
Official programme