TCS London Marathon 2025

How old must I be on marathon day?

All participants in the TCS London Marathon must be 18 or older on Marathon Day.

How do I know my place is 100% secure?

After registering with Make-A-Wish UK, you will be added to the organiser’s registration console. Your place is only secure once you have completed this final form. Failure to do so before the named deadline will mean your place will be lost in the event.

How do I use my ballot place to run for Make-A-Wish UK?

If you are one of the lucky ones to secure a place in the 2025 TCS London Marathon ballot then we would still love to have you on the #WishHero team. Run with no set fundraising target, receive all the same support, and experience the incredible sense of community that comes from being a #WishHero.

Can I take part in a wheelchair?

Yes, you can take part in approved wheelchairs and racing chairs. In addition, a maximum of four assisted wheelchair participants (who need to be assisted/pushed by others) are allowed on course at the same time, with a maximum total team of four helpers. Further information can be found here.

How do I collect my race pack?

Your Event Pack contains your all-important bib number, which you must wear on Marathon Day. You'll need to collect your pack from the TCS London Marathon Running Show, which takes place in London over the four days before the marathon. The organisers do not send event packs by post, nor can they be collected on Marathon Day. You will also receive a #WishHero running top and name directly from Make-A-Wish UK.

What is the Running Show?

The 2025 TCS London Marathon Running Show will take place from Wednesday 23rd - Saturday 26th April 2025 at ExCeL London, E16 1XL. This is where you must go to collect your event pack, without which you cannot run on race day.

What if I become injured or need to cancel my place?

Due to the demand for places and in the interest of providing everyone with an equal chance of running the TCS London Marathon, we don’t normally offer deferrals or refunds. Deferrals will be considered on a case-by-case basis and, if a deferral is offered, it is at the discretion of Make-A-Wish UK if any fundraising is carried over. If an individual cancels their place, the registration fee will not be refunded, and their place will be offered to another individual if applicable. In the event of charity place transfer, deferral or cancellation, individuals must send written confirmation by email to [email protected]

Can you help with travel and accommodation?

We are unable to help everyone with their travel and accommodation plans, however our private Facebook group is a great community to ask questions and get advice from past, present and future #WishHeroes.

When and where does the marathon start?

Participants in the mass 2025 TCS London Marathon will set off from one of three Start Lines in the Greenwich/Blackheath area of London. Start times will vary depending on what wave you are in. The organisers will let you know your full details, including wave, start time, and recommended arrival time and place in the run-up to the event.

Can a friend run with me?

If you have been offered a charity place from Make-A-Wish UK, your friends and family are welcome to apply, however we cannot guarantee them a place. If you know someone running on race day and haven’t been assigned the same starting wave, you are welcome to move back a wave, but not forward. Please note that the organisers will not take individual requests for wave changes.

How do I start my fundraising?

We recommend setting up a page with JustGiving. It’s the easiest and safest way to collect donations online, and all funds transfer directly through to Make-A-Wish UK.

Why do I have to raise £2,500 with my charity place?

The average cost of a wish is £2,500, so you will be granting an entire wish for a child living with a critical illness if you join the #WishHero team. Please include as much detail as possible on your application form as to how you intend to fundraise this amount.

What happens if I don’t reach my £2,500 fundraising target?

Everyone has 4 weeks post-race to finalise their fundraising and we’re here to help at any point if you need extra ideas or resources. If you are still struggling to meet the fundraising target by the deadline, please get in touch so we can work with you to put a plan in place.

How long do I have to fundraise?

You have 4 weeks after the race to continue fundraising. Please note that we will still take into account any matched funding that reaches us after this date.

Where will my money go?

Your fundraising will grant life-changing wishes for children living with critical illnesses in the UK. Wishes have a profound and lasting effect on critically ill children and their loved ones, so your fundraising will help to create memories that will last forever – no matter what the future holds.

What support will Make-A-Wish offer me?

The Challenge Events Team will support you every step of the way...

• Free #WishHero running top and fundraising pack
• Access to our online Training Hub and App; for training, injury and nutritional advice
• Regular support emails, key information and fundraising tips
• Private team Facebook group with past and present #WishHeroes
• Private Strava Club
• Helpful webinars and Facebook Live sessions
• Any fundraising materials you need along the way
• #WishHero training day in January 2025
• Start-line team photograph on race day
• Loud #WishHero cheer points on race day
• #WishHero post-race reception and celebration

Where will Make-A-Wish UK be during race week?

The Make-A-Wish UK team will be dotted across London throughout race week to get you over that finish line:

• Permanent booth at the Running Show, held at the ExCel Centre
• Start-line team photograph in Greenwich Park
• Two cheer spots along the route
• Post-race reception celebration

How do I get in touch with the Challenge Events Team at Make-A-Wish UK?

You can email the team on [email protected] or call the main line on 01276 405060