Run the London Marathon 2026 for East Kent Mind

Applications are now closed for the London Marathon

Please check back in May 2026 for information about the 2027 London Marathon. In the meantime, if you’re a keen runner and looking to help raise funds for East Kent Mind – have you considered running our Mental Elf 5km fun run? It takes place on Sunday 30 November and details can be found here: eastkentmind.org.uk/mentalelf

When

26 April 2026

 

Registration fee

£100

 

Minimum fundraising target

£2,200

 

Minimum age

18

Grab one of our four exclusive charity runner spots!

Join Team Mind in East Kent and make a difference by running the iconic London Marathon. Challenge yourself, fundraise vital support for mental health in our community, and enjoy a fantastic runner experience, all while representing the mental health cause with pride. Applications from people with a connection to Bexley or East Kent are preferred.

The expected minimum fundraising timeline is:

  • Raise 25% (£550) by 1st Dec
  • Raise 50% (£1,100) 50% by 1st Jan
  • Raise 75% (£1,650) 75% by 1st April
  • Raise the full amount (£2,200) due four weeks after race day

About the TCS London Marathon

Take on one of the world’s most iconic marathon routes, winding past legendary landmarks like Tower Bridge and Big Ben, before crossing the finish line near the majestic Buckingham Palace.

Join 50,000 runners with thousands of spectators lining the streets, cheering your name and lifting your spirits. The energy is electric, the atmosphere is second to none, and we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

Why run for East Kent Mind?

Thank you for thinking of East Kent Mind as your choice of charity! We are an independent charity looking after our East Kent residents and their families. The money we receive from fundraising allows us to continue to raise awareness and support lots of people in East Kent with their mental health. Whether it’s running a morning coffee with colleagues, organising events, or bringing more awareness to the importance of mental health, your efforts truly help people for the better while reducing the stigma around mental health.

Every act of kindness you make, plays a crucial part in improving mental health within the community, and in return, you get an amazing opportunity to grow on a personal level while enhancing your brand as a community champion. By working together, we will ensure that everyone gets access to mental health support.

What you can expect with #TeamMind:

  • Raise funds to support local mental health services
  • Receive a full runner pack (t-shirt, medal & more)
  • Access to training plans for all levels (beginner to expert)
  • Support from our Mind team throughout your fundraising and training journey
  • Meet other runners at the Mind stall during the marathon and the Running Show
  • Be featured on our Wall of Fame on race day

How to register

Step 1 – Apply

Fill out our application form.

Step 2 – Tell us about you

Tell us why you want to join #TeamMind – and how you plan to reach your fundraising target.

Step 3 – Review

Our team reads every application. We’ll let you know if we’re able to offer you a spot on #TeamMind for the London Marathon 2026.

FAQs

Charity marathon spots come at a cost. The fee is a contribution towards the costs our charity has undertaken to secure the spots and to ensure you are commited to raise funds for us and our vital services.

The fee and associated gift aid (optional) will go towards your fundraising target.

We set the minimum fundraising target at £2,200 to make sure we’re able to cover the costs that we’ve paid for the place as well as putting enough back into our vital services to support people living with a mental health problem.

You don’t need to raise the full amount until one month after event day. We know a lot of donations come in on the week of and after the event. So there is still plenty of time to plan your fundraising and collect donations. Don’t be complacent though – promote your achievement on social media and keep asking for donations!

We will be in touch throughout your journey to give fundraising tips and ideas.

Please make sure you’re confident you can raise the £2,200 before you apply.

You must attend the Running Show at Excel, London from Wednesday, 22 April to Saturday, 25 April. There will be a Mind stall where you can pick up your pack. We will notify the stall in advance and send you instructions ahead of the show though.

We will review each application anonymously before making a decision. To improve your chances, please give us much information as possible as to why you want to support Mind and how you plan on raising £2,500.

Fundraising support… You’re not alone!

We’re here to help you smash your goals! We can provide:

  • Fundraising tips & ideas
  • Collection pots & newsletters to encourage donations
  • Regular updates & motivational support
  • Connect with previous runners & the Mind community

Drop us an email if you have any questions or would like any support.