Home Events London Marathon 2026

London Marathon 2026

DSWF does not have any charity places available. To run with us, you must have already secured your own place in the 2026 London Marathon through the public ballot or a Good for Age qualification. We would love for you to join our team of wildlife warriors taking part in the iconic 2026 race, if you’ve got your spot and want to make your miles matter for wildlife, we’d be thrilled to welcome you to Team DSWF!
Run for wildlife
26th April 2026

About the TCS London Marathon

The London Marathon is one of the most famous marathons around the world. A bucket list event for any runner. With its electric atmosphere and roaring crowd this 26.2 mile race is a breath-taking event. The route major London landmarks, including Big Ben, the London Eye and Tower bridge. Leading to an extraordinary finish outside Buckingham Palace. We hope you can join us on the London Marathon 2025.

Why run for DSWF?

One million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction. Environmental and wildlife protection has never been more important in safeguarding the future of our planet. Our mission is to Fight, Protect and Engage on behalf of endangered wildlife.

We work tirelessly to fund ground-based conservation partners, who operate on the front line in the fight against wildlife crime, protect some of the world’s last wildlife strongholds and engage with local communities to foster a peaceful coexistence with wildlife. Since our Foundation launched in 1984, more than £12.3 million has been granted to direct conservation support.

1 in
0

species of all animals, plants, and birds are threatened with extinction 

0
%

of the world’s wildlife has been wiped out in the last 50 years.

£
0
Million

Raised for DSWF wildlife conservation projects

With your help, we can ensure a brighter future for wildlife.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Emma Waller
Challenge Events

Charity Support

You will receive the following support from DSWF if you are successful in your London Marathon 2026 application.

  • Personalised DSWF branded running vest.
  • Fundraising pack full of advice, support, and inspiration.
  • Professional fundraising support.

Physio Support

We are thrilled to be supported by the incredible team at Boost Physio!

As a valued member of Team DSWF, you’ll have access to:

  • A complimentary injury assessment or pre-marathon check-up, courtesy of Boost Physio, to ensure you’re in peak condition for race day.
  • Discounted follow-up physio sessions, helping you stay injury-free and confident throughout your training journey.

A huge thank you to Boost Physio for their generosity and commitment to helping our runners perform at their best.

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
Surya Ramachandran

Registration

 

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation does not have charity places in the London Marathon. This means we are only able to accept runners who have secured their own place through: the public ballot, or a Good for Age qualification.

 

If you are lucky enough to get a ballot place or a good for age place, we’d be absolutely thrilled to have you on the DSWF Team!

 

To join our team of runners and make your marathon experience truly meaningful, download and fill out the form below and email it to Eleanor at Eleanor.eden@davidshepherd.org. We’ll provide you with all the support and resources you need to fundraise, train, and cross that finish line with pride.

 

Fundraising target: £500

What is a ballot place?

 

The London Marathon is incredibly popular, so not everyone who wants to run can get in. Each year, the organisers open a ballot — this is like a lottery. You enter your name, and then wait to see if you’re one of the lucky ones selected to take part.

 

If your name is drawn and you get a place, this is called a ballot place. Once you’ve secured one, you’re free to choose a charity to run for – like DSWF!

 

If were successful in your application for a ballot place and would like to run for us, please get in touch. We’d be delighted to support your fundraising journey!