runners in a group huddle smiling

London Marathon 2026 - FAQ

Why join us?
  • Take on a personal challenge, running the world’s most iconic marathon. 
  • Raise vital funds for charity EY Foundation and their work with young people from low-income backgrounds. 
Tell me more about EY Foundation?
  • EY Foundation is a registered UK charity committed to removing barriers to employment for young people from low-income backgrounds. 
  • The charity works directly with young people to give confidence boosting training, access to quality work experience, 1 to 1 mentoring and a network that believe in their potential.  The EY Foundation shows young people a world full of opportunity that is in their reach and gives them the skills to get there.
How many people are taking part?

We have been lucky enough to obtain two coveted tickets for this iconic marathon.  This will be a great opportunity to take on this challenge with another like-minded fundraiser! 

What if I don’t make the fundraising target? 

Each TCS London Marathon runner has an individual commitment to fundraise a minimum of £2,500 in aid of the EY Foundation. The EY Foundation takes these fundraising targets very seriously and while it promises to provide participants with fundraising support throughout, it requires commitment from each runner to work towards and reach their individual target. 

If you do not raise 25% of your £2500 fundraising target (£625) by January 31st 2026, your place may be given to another participant, and you could jeopardise your ability to take part in future ticketed EY Foundation fundraising events. 

All remaining fundraising monies needs to be raised no more than 4 weeks after the marathon has taken place. 

Participants of the TCS London Marathon are known to be ambitious, and our fundraisers will understand the impact they want to have on young people’s lives so we hope that you will raise as much as you can and reach your target.   

How hard is the marathon?

The marathon is a physically and mentally challenging event! This is mainly due to the length of the challenge, and the preparation it takes to complete it. It is however a once in a lifetime event, and you will be supported by thousands of people, as well as the EY Foundation team on the event day.

  • The marathon is 26.2 miles (or 42.19km)
  • To be physically prepared for the London Marathon, you should aim to be able to comfortably run 20 miles (32 km) at a pace that allows you to complete the marathon within your personal time goal
  • The terrain will be flat, as the marathon takes place in Central London
  • There is plenty of time to get marathon ready between now and the event in April 2026. But remember – you need to be consistent! You need to be able to do regular runs, including long runs and speed work, and should have a base level of fitness and experience running regularly
     
How will the EY Foundation support me?

You can expect:

  • A dedicated and experienced fundraising team to give support and advice
  • Regular emails with event and fundraising information to help you on your journey
  • 1:1 call updates
  • A WhatsApp group chat connecting you with your fellow fundraiser and EY Fundraising team member
  • Help with creating your fundraising page
  • Comms assistance, helping to ensure the message of why you are taking part in aid of the EY Foundation details is the best it can be
  • An EY Foundation t-shirt
  • Event day support from the EY Foundation team
     
Will we have a chance to meet up with the group before the event takes place?

Yes! A date will be arranged for you to meet your fellow fundraiser and the EY Foundation team beforehand. 

How much does it cost?

A £100 non-refundable registration fee. Please note the full cost of the TCS London Marathon place is £480. This is why we require an ambitious fundraising target and expect you to have met the 25% fundraising target by January 31st 2026.

Are there any other costs?

The EY Foundation will provide you with a branded t-shirt. You will need to buy your own kit, such as adequate running shoes, breathable clothing, baseball caps, sunglasses, etc.., and will also need to factor in the cost of accommodation and travel to the event.

When do I have to apply by? 

The closing date to apply is Friday 18th July 2025. We will be reviewing applications and contacting those who are shortlisted after this date from which we will select two participants to run in aid of the EY Foundation. Please note if you have not heard back from us by Friday 25th July, you have not been successful. We anticipate high demand for our two London Marathon spaces and will prioritise those with a strong commitment / relationship to the Foundation and a clear and achievable plan on how they will reach and exceed the fundraising target.

How do I find out more?

Please contact fundraising@eyfoundation.ey.com , where you will be contacted by one of the fundraising team who will answer any questions and talk you through the registration process and any questions you may have.

For more event info, please also head to the  FAQs | London Marathon Events page, which contains lots of useful information.



Hear from our fantastic fundraisers and why they chose to support EY Foundation.

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