Join Team Big Issue for the London Marathon

London Marathon fever has arrived!

It always feels real once the ballot has dropped and whether you are in or out, we would love to have your support. We have a very limited number of places available in the 2022 race as well as a handful of places for the virtual event.

There is no doubt about it, the London Marathon is a special event. Whether you are in the race or cheering on the side-lines, it is a must experience event! And it’s also one of the biggest fundraisers in the world! Collectively, London Marathon participants have raised more than £1 billion for charity.

By choosing to run with us, we aim to ensure that you have the most memorable experience possible! Not only will you get advice and support with your fundraising, a custom training plan courtesy of Coopah we’ll also send you an official Big Issue Foundation running vest which we hope you will wear with pride, knowing that your fundraising will be making a BIG impact for the people that need it the most.

If you were lucky enough to secure a place in the ballot, we’d love for you to join our team. There’s no minimum sponsorship pledge, we just ask that you raise as much as you can. Let us know by filling in the form or dropping us an email to events@bigissue.com

Last year, thousands of people united on the streets of London to finish the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 3 October.

Although the pandemic hit numbers, Team Big Issue were well represented on the day with 3 supporters and 2 vendors, Andre and Lee, running the event in London. We also had another 6 supporters taking part in the virtual event. Together they raised over £14,000 to support our work. 

“I really enjoyed it,” said Big Issue vendor Lee. “I was happy with my time for the first half and that was really cool. At mile 19 I hit my wall and I was sick a bit. St John’s Ambulance were amazing, they tested my temperature and made sure I was okay and then I just carried on.

“I did it in five hours and six minutes so I didn’t beat my five-hour target but it’s still pretty good with no training.

“But what an experience, Londoners should be so proud. They were so friendly and cheery and all the kids were amazing with their signs.

“I definitely want to run the London Marathon next year. I’ve already entered the ballot and it would be great to run for The Big Issue Foundation again.”

Katie, who also ran the physical event and was our top fundraiser said: “I’m really chuffed, when I was still walking around in a boot in August I really didn’t fancy my chances of running the whole thing so I am glad that my outrageously high pain threshold and a touch of stupidity played to my advantage and got me some training time. 

“THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your support and for the opportunity. I would have 100% dropped out when I injured myself if I wasn’t doing this for you guys. I was very emotional at several stages of the run to the point of tears it was amazing.”

Find out how you can join us for the 2022 event by clicking here. Any questions? Feel free to drop us a line to events@bigissue.com