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Run the 2027 TCS London Marathon for the NCTJ

Could you take on one of the world’s most iconic marathons and help support the future of journalism?

The NCTJ has one charity place in the 2027 TCS London Marathon, taking place over the weekend of 24 and 25 April 2027.

We are looking for a committed runner who can represent the NCTJ, share our passion for journalism and raise at least £2,500 to support our charitable work.

Applications close on Monday, 14 September 2026.

Why run for the NCTJ?

The NCTJ is the industry’s charity delivering the premier training scheme for journalists in the UK.

We provide education and training for current and future journalists and administer the Journalism Diversity Fund, which helps people from underrepresented backgrounds begin careers in journalism.

By running for the NCTJ, you will help us champion high-quality journalism training and create opportunities for the next generation of journalists.

You will also have the opportunity to:

  • take part in the 2027 TCS London Marathon with an NCTJ charity place
  • share your story with the journalism community
  • raise awareness of the importance of trusted, trained journalists
  • inspire support from colleagues, friends, family and your wider network
  • receive fundraising encouragement and promotion from the NCTJ

Important information

What we ask from our runner

Our selected runner will be expected to:

  • commit to raising a minimum of £2,500
  • pay a non-refundable registration fee of £75 after accepting the place
  • use the NCTJ’s agreed online fundraising platform
  • provide regular fundraising updates
  • represent the NCTJ in a positive and appropriate way
  • take responsibility for their training, health and fitness
  • keep us informed of any injury, illness or change in circumstances that could affect their participation
  • take part in agreed communications and promotional activity before and after the event

We will consider individual circumstances throughout the fundraising period and encourage applicants to contact us promptly if they experience any difficulties.

Fundraising milestones

The selected runner will be asked to work towards the following fundraising milestones:

  • £750 by 31 December 2026
  • a further £750 by 28 February 2027
  • a further £750 by 24 April 2027
  • the final £250 by 31 May 2027

These milestones make up the minimum sponsorship commitment of £2,500. We would be delighted to support the runner in raising more.

Support from the NCTJ

Our runner will receive:

  • an NCTJ running vest
  • guidance to help them plan and promote their fundraising
  • regular encouragement from the NCTJ team
  • promotion through selected NCTJ communications, including our website and social media channels
  • opportunities to share their training and fundraising story with the journalism community

Further information about the support available will be provided to the successful applicant.

Who can apply?

You do not need to be an experienced marathon runner, but you must:

  • be over the age of 18
  • be confident you can complete the course within the official time limit
  • be medically fit to train for and take part in the marathon
  • be able to commit to the minimum sponsorship target
  • have a clear and realistic fundraising plan
  • be willing to represent the NCTJ throughout the campaign

We welcome applications from people with a connection to journalism, journalism training or the NCTJ’s work. This could include former students, journalists, educators, employers, supporters or others who share our commitment to the future of journalism.

How applications will be considered

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of NCTJ staff.

We will consider each applicant’s connection to the NCTJ and journalism, their reasons for wanting to run for us and the strength of their fundraising plan.

We may also select one or more reserve runners in case the successful applicant is unable to take up or continue with the place.

Key dates
  • Applications open: Thursday, 30 July 2026
  • Application deadline: Monday, 14 September 2026
  • Successful applicant informed: Monday, 21 September 2026
  • Registration fee deadline: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
  • Fundraising and training period begins: Thursday, 1 October 2026
  • Marathon weekend: Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 April 2027
  • Final fundraising deadline: Monday, 31 May 2027
Already have your own marathon place?

You can still choose to fundraise for the NCTJ if you have secured your own place through the public ballot or another route.

You will not need to pay the NCTJ registration fee or meet the same application requirements, but we would be delighted to support your fundraising and welcome you to the NCTJ team. Contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Step 1 of 7

Apply for the NCTJ’s marathon place

Please complete the form below by Monday, 14 September 2026.

Please note: We reserve the right to close applications before the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

About you

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