The TCS London Marathon is one of the world’s largest annual marathons, with over 40,000 people taking part each year. It starts in Blackheath and finishes in Westminster, covering 26.2 miles, through a scenic route that takes in an array of famous London landmarks.
There are a few ways to enter the marathon:
• The ballot is the most popular way to enter. It is open to anyone, regardless of age, nationality, or ability. To enter you simply need to create an account on the TCS London Marathon website and submit your application. It is open for a limited time each year, with the results announced in Spring.
• Charity places are available for those who did not secure a ballot place. Runners can raise money for a registered charity and the Royal Free Charity has several places available to apply for.
If you were lucky enough to get a ballot place for the 2024 TCS London Marathon, then why not raise money for the Royal Free Charity?
If you don’t have a ballot place and you would like to run next year’s marathon, why not apply for one of our charity places?
Every year, people who want to say thank you for the NHS care they, or their loved ones, received at Barnet, Chase Farm or the Royal Free hospitals run the London Marathon to raise money for the Royal Free Charity.
Our vision is for everyone using our hospitals to have access to world-leading healthcare, delivered by a thriving workforce and driven by medical research that has a global impact.
Once you gain a spot running for the Royal Free Charity, we’ll be with you all the way with training tips, a group social, a monthly newsletter and a free therapy massage.
You’ll also get a running vest and great support on the day, with a chance to share your story on our social media channels.
“At the Royal Free Charity, we are dedicated to making a real difference for patients and staff at our hospitals. With the help of our incredible community, we can deliver impactful support services and fund vital projects across our hospitals, changing lives for the better every day.
“By joining our team, you will be doing something truly amazing. Every mile you run and every pound you raise will help our hospitals go further and faster than the NHS can do alone. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!”
Catherine Sykes
Head of Community Fundraising
The Royal Free Charity supports the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, our NHS colleagues, our patients and our researchers. From small acts of kindness to huge investments in discovery and innovation, everything we do changes lives for the better. Our extraordinary volunteers enrich the experience of patients and the support they provide to NHS staff is transformational.
Yolanda works as a consultant breast sonographer at Chase Farm Hospital., She was inspired to run for the Royal Free Charity because we funded the introduction of contrast enhanced digital mammography to speed up the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
“I manage the ultrasound service at Barnet and Chase Farm hospitals, so I have seen first-hand the benefits of charity funding through our monitors in obstetric scan rooms so pregnant women are able to see their babies during their scans. I really appreciate the funding provided by the charity; it has inspired me.”
Ted and George ran the London Marathon in memory of their uncle, Tony. Ted and George wanted to say ‘thank you’ for the way staff cared for Tony throughout his time spent in hospital.
They felt inspired to run as Tony was always active throughout his life, completing two London Marathons as well as the London triathlon. They felt it would be a fitting event to complete!
“Tony was close to both of us, so we chose to run together to support each other, and to try and prevent one of us running off course and joining one of the pubs on route!”
Melanie joined the Royal Free Charity team and ran the TCS London Marathon in 2022, raising an incredible £2,051.
Mel decided to run for the Royal Free Charity because it marked a decade since joining the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
In celebration of her commitment and time at the Royal Free London, Mel took on the 26.2 miles to give back to the hospitals she has dedicated 10 years of her career to.
“I just wanted to do something I absolutely love for an amazing cause.”
If you’re interested in taking on the 2024 TCS London Marathon for the Royal Free Charity, then please get in touch below.
