Frequently asked questions
What does official Charity of the Year mean?
The TCS London Marathon works with an official charity partner each year, and we are beyond delighted to have been chosen for Charity of the Year for the 2024 event.
Can we run as a group?
You can of course apply to run with someone or as a group. Please make a note of this on our application form in the question ‘Please tell us why you would like to run the TCS London Marathon for Samaritans?’ However, please note that applications are viewed and offered on an individual basis.
What happens next if I’m successful in securing a charity place with Samaritans?
If you are successful in securing a charity place with us, you will receive an email from us to let you know. If you are successful, you will then be asked to pay a £50 non refundable registration fee to confirm your place with us, by an agreed date. You will also be asked to pledge to raise a minimum of £2,000 (excluding gift aid).
When will I hear if I’m successful in securing a charity place with you?
We will be reviewing applications on a regular basis. You will hear the outcome of your application within 10 working days of submitting your application.
Will you tell me if I’m unsuccessful in securing a charity place with you?
Yes, you will be notified if you have been unsuccessful in securing a charity place with us.
When is the deadline to apply for a charity place with you?
We will be allocating places for the 2024 TCS London Marathon from April 2023 to January 2024, once the registration console has closed. Date TBC.
How much do I need to fundraise?
We ask charity place runners to raise a minimum of £2,000 (excluding gift aid) and to pay a registration fee of £50, upon being offered a place.
There is no fundraising target for ballot place runners, we only ask you to raise what you can, to help support our services.
Where does the money I raise go?
Your fundraising will help us recruit and train volunteers from all backgrounds and walks of life across the UK and Ireland. We need to make sure we always have enough volunteers to keep our helpline open 24/7 for anyone who needs someone to listen. With you by our side, we’ll be able to reach more people, answer more calls for help and, ultimately, save lives.
How do I fundraise £2,000?
The first step will be to set up an Enthuse fundraising page.
We’ll support you throughout your TCS London Marathon journey with us, providing plenty of fundraising ideas, tips, and support along the way. You can see some of the runner resources here.
Can I use other platforms to raise money?
You can choose to fundraise with an alternative fundraising platform if you would like to.
What is a ballot place and how do I apply?
A ballot place refers to a place that you have secured with the TCS London Marathon event organisers via the public ballot. The ballot will open from 22 April and close on 28 April 2023.
I have a ‘good for age’ place, can I still run for you?
Absolutely, we’d love to welcome you to the team! Please complete our ‘ballot place’ form to let us know, and a member of our team will be in touch.
I have a place through my running club, can I still run for you?
Absolutely, we’d love to welcome you to the team! Please complete our ‘ballot place’ form to let us know, and a member of our team will be in touch.
How do I use my ballot place to run for Samaritans?
If you are successful in securing a TCS London Marathon ballot place, you can choose to run for Samaritans. We’d love to welcome you to #TeamSamaritans! It's free to register and there is no minimum fundraising pledge for ballot place runners, we just ask you to raise as much as you can. You can join #TeamSamaritans with your ballot place, by completing our online form here.
How can I get in touch with the Samaritans London Marathon team?
You can email us at [email protected] or call us on 020 8394 8300 and ask to speak to a member of the London Marathon team (Monday to Friday 9am-5pm)