Right now, our 2026 Manchester Half Marathon participants are getting ready to take to the streets of Manchester to raise vital funds for research into preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. But our participants couldn’t cross the finish line without the passion and energy of an amazing team of volunteers like you. Join the 2026 Manchester Half Marathon Volunteer Team and let's beat cancer together.
Every year thousands of people take part in Cancer Research UK events, raising millions to fund vital cancer research. But they can’t cross the finish line without the passion and energy of an amazing team of event volunteers.
Be part of something special and sign up as an event volunteer. You can join as a group or go solo and meet like-minded people on the day.
There’s are a few ways you can support us as a volunteer at these events. If you’d like a particular role, please select this on the form or tell us in the ‘Experience and Comments’ section when signing up.
You’ll get stuck in wherever you’re needed, like cheering on participants around the course, helping to support with any questions or issues, giving out refreshments, and collecting cash donations.
As a Micro volunteer, you can help at an event, even for just 3 hours. A range of roles are available to micro volunteers, so let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll find an activity that suits you. You can help us beat cancer, whatever time you can give.
You don’t need any experience, you just need to be motivated, enthusiastic and enjoy being part of a team. We’re looking for people who are:
Friendly and keen to make sure everyone has a brilliant day
Flexible and willing to get stuck in
Supportive team players
We want you to have a great experience volunteering at our events. You’ll get a full briefing on arrival, meals and snacks as appropriate, and support throughout the day. We can also cover local travel and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, as agreed with your Event Manager in advance.
At Cancer Research UK we know that having a diverse volunteer community will help us to beat cancer. We will happily consider making any reasonable adjustments to support our volunteers with a disability or health condition.
Volunteers under the age of 18 will need permission from a parent or legal guardian who will need to register to volunteer, and will need to be accompanied by this responsible adult at the event. All volunteers must be living in the UK to volunteer at one of our events.
As an event volunteer you’ll experience an amazing atmosphere and have lots of fun, all while supporting life-saving research.
By supporting our events you’re helping to power progress for people affected by cancer.
Meet like-minded people in your local area and create a positive impact in your community.
Be part of an amazing atmosphere and help participants celebrate their great achievement.
You’ll gain new skills and experiences in the events and charity sector.
Whether you can give a day or a few hours, we have event volunteer roles for everyone.
Click on the ‘Sign up to volunteer’ link at the top of the page. Our online form takes 5 minutes to complete, and we’ll ask you for a few details including any role preferences. We ask all applicants to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions.
Your contact details
An emergency contact
Once you’ve submitted the form we’ll review it to make sure we have everything we need. The Event Manager will be in touch nearer the time of the event so you know what to expect, what to bring and to answer any questions you might have.
If you have any questions about becoming a volunteer, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact volunteering@cancer.org.uk.
Return to our volunteering homepage and find out what other volunteer roles are available in your area and apply today.
