Race for a Cause

This 230km self-sufficient ultra is not for the faint-hearted. It runs over six days through the conservancies beneath Mount Kenya, past rhinos, elephants, and giraffes. Every entry supports the rangers who protect the wildlife from poaching through the charities Save the Rhino and For Rangers.

A charity place gives you a way into one of London’s most sought-after half marathons. The 13.1 mile route is the only one to cross both the City of London and the City of Westminster, starting on Pall Mall and finishing near Downing Street.

Teams of two or four race from dawn to dusk across the Lake District. You’ll bike 34 miles, hike to the 931m summit of Skiddaw, then paddle two miles across Derwentwater, all against the clock. Every entry raises money for Action Medical Research.

Swim Serpentine takes place in the lake at the heart of Hyde Park, with charity places now the only way in. There are four distances to choose from - half a mile up to six - and two charities offering places on Find a Race: Panathlon and Rethink Mental Illness.

Manchester is known as one of the flattest, fastest marathons in the country, which makes it a favourite for a personal best. General entries for 2027 sold out in 10 days, but charity places are still available, with causes including Missing People and Shine Cancer Support.

This half marathon runs through the heart of Glasgow, starting and finishing in the city centre. The crowd support is a big part of the appeal, with locals turning out to cheer and high-five runners the whole way round. Charity places are available with Alzheimer’s Society and Rainbow Trust.