Lace up your running shoes and join Team Stars Appeal at the TCS London Marathon!
The TCS London Marathon is one of the most iconic running events in the world. You could join a team of fellow supporters running in aid of the Stars Appeal. We have been allocated places in 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Take on this epic bucket list challenge running 26.2 miles (42.2 km), with 40,000 runners from Greenwich Park to The Mall, passing London’s most famous landmarks from Tower Bridge to the London Eye, the Cutty Sark to The Houses of Parliament!
If this is for you, and you are ready to take on the challenge of training, fundraising and running 26.2 miles, then please apply below.
Apply now for one of our Stars Appeal Charity places
If you are ready to take on this epic challenge, have the time and energy to train to get Marathon-fit, and can commit to raising the minimum fundraising target, then please apply below. Take a look at our London Marathon FAQs here.
Just complete the form, outlining your reasons for taking part in the London Marathon in aid of the Stars Appeal along with your fundraising plans. Applications are open NOW and close when we have allocated all our places, or in February of each marathon year, if we still have places available. You can apply for more than one year.
From May 2025 successful applicants will be chosen by our Events team to join Team Stars Appeal, taking into consideration the applicants connection to Stars Appeal and their fundraising proposals. We’ll let you know whether you’ve been chosen as soon as possible after you apply to give you time for training and fundraising.

What we ask from you:
- If you are selected to join Team Stars Appeal we will require you to pay a £100 registration fee immediately in order to secure your place.
- You will be required to raise a minimum sponsorship of £2,000. (We ask that you raise 50% of your target by the event day, with the remaining amount raised by June of the year you are running).

How we will support our TeamStarsAppeal runners:
- Stars Appeal running vest or t-shirt
- Lots of helpful and encouraging fundraising tips and resources
- Dedicated support from our Events team
- Access to ‘Meet the Experts’ London Marathon event
- A Facebook group exclusively for our TeamStarsAppeal Marathon runners
Apply to run the London Marathon for the Stars Appeal
FAQs
- How do I secure a charity place with TeamStarsAppeal? To secure a place with us, complete our online application form and include as much information as you can about your fundraising plans and how you will reach the £2,000 fundraising target. Your application will be reviewed by our Events Team, and place allocations will be announced from May 2025. If you are successful you will be notified by email and be required to pay the £100 non-refundable registration fee within 5 days in order to secure your place.
- What happens if I don’t reach my target? Raising £2,000 may feel like a bigger challenge than running the marathon itself. However, if you start your fundraising as soon as you have secured your Marathon place and set yourself realistic bitesize targets during the lead up to the event date, you should be able to raise the minimum sponsorship, if not more! Our team will offer you advice, guidance, inspiration and encouragement along the way. If you don’t reach your minimum sponsorship target it will affect the vital work that we provide to hundreds of patients every day at Salisbury District Hospital. We strongly advise you only take on this challenge if you are confident you will be able to raise a minimum of £2,000.
Runners who have failed to raise the minimum sponsorship target as agreed to upon registration may be placed on a low performance list held by the Stars Appeal AND London Marathon. Being placed on this list may affect your chances when applying to future London Marathons and Stars Appeal events.
- Does GiftAid count towards my fundraising total? No, GiftAid is not included in your fundraising total.
- When do I have to have raised the £2,000 minimum sponsorship? We ask that you raise 50% of your total (£1,000) by the event date and the remaining 50% by June of the year you are taking part in the Marathon.
- What if I am injured and am unable to train or take part in the Marathon? Please let us know as soon as possible, we may be able to defer your place. Please contact us by calling 01722 429005 or email helena@starsappeal.org.
- How do I complete my registration for the London Marathon if I am offered a Stars Appeal place? We will send you detailed information on how to complete your registration via the London Marathon platform, ‘Lets Do This’. You will then automatically be set up an online fundraising page through ‘Enthuse’. Both of these platforms are affiliated with the TCS London Marathon.