5 reasons to run the London Marathon
5 reasons to run the London Marathon
The Virgin Money London Marathon is one of the greatest marathons in the world and definitely one to tick off your bucket list.
If you’ve applied for a place in the public ballot you’ll find out soon if you’ve been successful. If you missed out, then don't fear, there is still time to apply for one of our charity places.
In 2016 our incredible runners raised over £34,000 to support children living in poverty. We’re looking for passionate supporters to join us in 2017. Here are five reasons why you should run the London Marathon with us.
Reason #1: Unbeatable support
Training and fundraising for the London Marathon is far from an easy task but the rewards are incredible. We'll help you to reach your fundraising target with creative fundraising ideas and advice. You'll receive unbeatable support to motivate you all the way to the finish line and beyond.

Reason #2: Professional training plans
Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or you're doing this for the first time, our professional training plans will help to keep you on track.
Absolutely anyone can run a marathon. If you really want to do it – you can do it!
Tamsin, Team Plan 2016
Reason #3: Claim a Plan International running top
Look the part during your training and on race day in your professional Plan International UK running top. Wear your top with pride and help to raise awareness for our work!
Reason #4: Loudest cheerers on the day
Nothing beats the incredible atmosphere of the London Marathon and our amazing team of volunteers will be there ready to cheer and support you on the day.
The team from Plan International UK were on the route and full of enthusiasm and support, brilliant, brilliant and more brilliant. I would do it again.
Gill, Team Plan 2016
Reason #5: Do something incredible – transform children's lives
There’s nothing more motivating than knowing that you’re running to help change the lives of children around the world. In 2016, we reached 58 million girls through our Because I am a Girl campaign that works to end harmful practices and attitudes towards girls and over 589,000 people were reached by our disasters and emergency work. That was only possible thanks to our incredible fundraisers and supporters.
The support of all your friends and family and the money you raise for the world's poorest children will help to push you to the finish.
Running down the Mall is really special and quite emotional. I knew I had smashed my target time, I knew I’d raised a load of cash and there was no better feeling crossing that line. What an achievement!
Chris, Team Plan 2015
Run with us and not only will you be achieving your goals, you’ll also be helping children worldwide to achieve theirs too.
Latest stories for you
Eight things I’ve learnt since becoming a runner
Kevin Machin, our Senior Community and Events Officer, shares his top running tips.
Share the love for our work this Valentine’s Day
Love is in the air – and we have two very special ways you can celebrate with us.
Tackling the sexual exploitation of girls and young women at work in Uganda
Why ensuring girls’ voices are heard is critical to ending exploitation.
Six ways our period emoji could improve your life
We're celebrating the amazing news that our period emoji is on its way!