The London Marathon 2027

FAQ's

• How do I apply for a charity place and what should I include on my application?

  Just fill out our online application form which you can find at the top of this page. Be sure to include as much detail as possible about why you want to run for Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity.

  In your application, we’re interested in hearing about your motivation, story and plans to fundraise. Tell us why you want to run for Derby & Burton Hospitals Charity and why supporting our cause is important to you. We also want to know about how you plan to fundraise and how you aim to reach the £2,000 target. Whether you’ve fundraised before or have ideas for creative ways to raise funds, we want to hear it all! All applications will be carefully considered, and the most successful ones will showcase a strong connection to our charity, clear commitment to fundraising, and a genuine passion for taking on this incredible challenge.

• When does the public ballot open/close?

  The public ballot to apply to the London Marathon 2027 is estimated to be open from Sunday 26th April 2026. Applicants will find out if they have been successful in securing a place by July 2026. For more information on this, please visit TCS London Marathon | London Marathon Events.

• Can I apply for a charity place if I have also entered the ballot?

  Yes, absolutely! You can apply for one of our charity places while also entering the ballot. If you're successful in both, we kindly ask that you let us know so we can allocate your charity place to another applicant. We’d love to have you on Team DBHC, whether through a charity place or a ballot entry, and you'll receive the same support and benefits regardless of how you secure your spot.

• Why is it important that I meet the fundraising target?

  It is very important that anyone who receives a charity place is fully committed to raising the minimum sponsorship of £2,000. This money is vital in helping us make a significant difference to patients, visitors, and staff across our hospital sites. We’re fortunate to have a limited number of charity places available, so we’re looking for dedicated fundraisers who are ready to support our charity. Please ensure you have read our full terms and conditions. 

  If you’re finding fundraising difficult, our friendly fundraising team is here to support you every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance!

• If successful, when will I have access to my free t-shirt and support?

  Once you’ve been notified of your successful application, a member of our fundraising team will get in touch to confirm your t-shirt size. Your training and race day t-shirts will then be posted to you within 10 working days. Training support and resources will be available to you as soon as your place is confirmed.

• When will I hear the outcome of my application?

  Please see above for guidance.