The London Marathon is always an inspirational event with so many people running and supporting numerous charities.
For the first time, Guernsey Mind have been allocated a place in the London Marathon for 2026. This means we will receive all the money raised by the person running for us.
As anyone who has tried to enter before will know, it really is the ‘luck of the draw’ when you enter the ballot for the London Marathon. This is a guaranteed place for the lucky applicant to take part in the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April, 2026.
When: Sunday 26th April 2026
Minimum overall fundraising target: £2,500
First fundraising target: £1,000
First fundraising target due: 23 January 2026
Final fundraising due: 26 May 2026
Minimum age: 18
About the London Marathon
The world famous London Marathon route takes you past London’s most iconic landmarks including London Bridge and Big Ben, finishing the final stretch towards Buckingham Palace.
With over 50,000 runners and thousands of spectators cheering you on and calling your name, the buzz and atmosphere is totally unique.
How we’ll support you
- We’ll provide a Guernsey Mind running vest or t-shirt
- You will receive support from our Events Lead to help maximise publicity for your fundraising efforts.
- We can help you set-up online fundraising and create sponsorship forms.
- We will provide coverage of your journey on our social media channels and website.
- We will offer support and encouragement in the lead-up to the event.
How you will support Guernsey Mind
Guernsey Mind is one of only 500 charities to be awarded a guaranteed place in the London Marathon 2026 charity ballot. As a charity, we have had to pay a charge for this place, so we are looking to raise a significant amount to maximise this opportunity.
The minimum fundraising amount is £2,500.
First fundraising target: £1,000
First fundraising target due: 23 January 2026
Final fundraising amount due: 26 May 2026
How to Apply
If you are interested in running in the London Marathon 2026 and representing Guernsey Mind, please complete the application form with further details about your running experience and why you would like to run for Guernsey Mind.
- Applications open: Monday 28th April 2025
- Application deadline: Friday 23rd May 2025
- Announcement of successful applicant: Friday 20th June 2025
How will you choose who gets the Guernsey Mind running place?
We will review each application anonymously before making a decision. We will then create a shortlist and will select the winning application from this list on Friday 20th June.
All applicants will be notified by email.
What happens if I don't reach the £2,500 target?
Guernsey Mind had to pay a fee for the charity ballot place, so we have set a minimum fundraising target of £2,500 to cover our costs and maximise the fundraising opportunity to go towards the work we do in supporting mental health in the Bailiwick.
You don’t have to pay the final amount until 1 month after the event. We will keep in touch throughout the run up to the Marathon and will help you publicise any fund raising activities. If you have any concerns about how your fund raising is going, we need to know as soon as possible.
Please make sure you are confident that you can raise a minimum £2,500 before you apply. If you miss the first payment date of 23 January, Guernsey Mind has the right to remove your entry and allocate it to someone else.
Will Guernsey Mind help with travel and accommodation costs?
Guernsey Mind have already had to pay an administration fee to cover the allocated running place, and we will not fund any additional costs.
However, we can assist with any applications for sponsorship to cover your travel and accommodation costs.
You can also consider setting a higher fundraising target and using some of the funds to cover your travel. For instance, you may aim to raise £3,000 and use £500 to go towards you travel costs. You must make this obvious on your fundraising form if you decide to do this.
What if I get an injury and cannot run?
Should you have to withdraw for any reason, please inform us as soon as possible. All sponsorship money collected should be sent directly to us at Guernsey Mind, and you must notify your sponsors that you are no longer taking part. All sponsorship monies will be retained by Guernsey Mind unless your sponsors request in writing or by email that we return it to them within one month of your cancellation.
If you tell us you wish to withdraw before the start of February 2026, we can offer the place to another applicant. After this date, Guernsey Mind will lose the place and the fundraising income.