We are here to help with any fundraising queries and we are more than happy to talk through ideas with you! We recommend starting by setting up a fundraising page with Virgin Money Giving and our top fundraising ideas include bake sales and pub quizzes. You can find all our fundraising resources here which includes our paper sponsorship form.
2021 Virgin Money London Marathon
- LondonMap
- 26.2 miles
- 3 October 2021
- Registration Fee: £100
- Sponsorship pledge: £2,000
Does the London Marathon really need an introduction? The world’s most iconic marathon, the 26.2-mile course winds its way from picturesque Greenwich Park into the heart of central London and the huge crowds lining The Mall.
Pre-race support
Whether you’ve just completed your first 10k or you’re a marathon regular, we’ll provide the training support you need to cross that finish line feeling good. From our training guide to top tips on nutrition, we’ve got you covered. And we’ll hold training sessions to help you perfect your running technique ahead of race day.
You’ll also be invited to our exclusive Virgin Money London Marathon Workshop to talk through training, nutrition and logistics of the race, and we have a stall at the Virgin Money London Marathon Expo to give you last-minute support and information.
A run to remember
Running the Virgin Money London Marathon is an epic achievement, and we want to make sure our runners have the very best experience on race day. There’ll be three Shelter cheer points at key locations on the route, as well as handy spectator guides for your supporters. And we hire professional photographers to capture those special moments — giving you a lasting memento from the day.
We’ll have a team posted by the finish line to help you find your way back to our post-race reception — where you’ll get refreshments, wind down with friends and family, and grab a well-earned sports massage.
Our team is now full for the 2020 event but please register your interest for 2021
Secure your place at 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon
- Registration Fee: £100
- Sponsorship pledge: £2,000
The fundraising commitment is the amount you pledge to raise through sponsorship. The more you raise, the more people we can help.
Apply for a 2021 placeAlready have your own place?
If you’ve already secured a spot, you can use your place to help fight homelessness by running and fundraising for Shelter. We’d love for you to join the team – get in touch below.
Join team ShelterAll our fundraisers get the very best from us, including:

Shelter technical running top

Training plans created by our running partners Let’s Get Running

Personal trainer support

Team training days & information sessions

Fundraising advice

We’ll be there to cheer you on

Post race reception (with refreshments & a leg massage)
We can't fight homelessness without your help

With the support of fundraisers like you, last year we helped 10,324 people and households in London alone through our helpline and face-to-face services.
Every mile run, every drop of sweat, and every pound raised will make a difference.
I actually cried when I walked in to the post-race reception and Shelter staff all cheered and applauded me, that was something else!
Anonymous
Want to know more? Check out our FAQ
If you’re no longer able to take part, please let us know by emailing running@shelter.org.uk or cycling@shelter.org.uk, depending on your event.
Registration fees for charity places in events are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to someone else or deferred to the following year. If you secured your own place in the event, you’ll need to check the event’s refund policy, which you should be able to find on their website or on your registration confirmation.
If you become aware that your card has been used fraudulently, please contact your card provider.
If your donors would like a refund on the sponsorship they have given you, they’ll need to contact us directly with details of their payment.
We’re here to support you with your fundraising as much as possible, so do get in touch with us by emailing running@shelter.org.uk or cycling@shelter.org.uk depending on your event or call us on 0344 515 1190.
Not reaching your sponsorship pledge impacts on what Shelter can achieve, so please ensure you are confident in reaching this target before signing up to the event. The deadline for sending in your sponsorship is six weeks after race day.
We invest in places in charity events and each place is important to ensure we raise as much as possible to support our vital work.

Apply now for 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon
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Want to help out at this event? Sign up to volunteer