Event Volunteer - 2026 TCS London Marathon - 26th April 2026

About the role

Right now, our 2026 TCS London Marathon participants are getting ready to take to the streets of London 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 TCS London Marathon Volunteer Team and let's beat cancer together. 

What you’ll be doing 

We have various volunteering roles on offer at this event. Let us know in the ‘Comments’ section of your application if you’d prefer a particular role, or our Events team can place you wherever you’re needed most on the day. We’ll provide a full briefing when you arrive, so you feel confident and excited to get stuck in. No matter what role you do, you’ll know you’re making a huge difference to those taking part. You could be:

• Cheering on participants around the course 

• Helping to support our participants with any questions or issues

• Giving out refreshments 
• Collecting cash donations

The kind of person we’re looking for

We’re on the lookout for individuals and groups who are:

• Engaging, friendly and keen to make sure everyone has a brilliant day.
• Flexible and willing to get stuck in and help.
• Team players - you’ll be joining a lovely bunch of other volunteers!

But mainly those who can bring their energy, smiles and passion to help us beat cancer together!

Please note:

• Most Event Volunteers need to be 16 years or over, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• You must be living in the UK in order to volunteer at an event.
• We ask all applicants to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions.

Next steps and what to expect

Where and when

• Events run throughout the summer and autumn, all over the UK.  

• You can join us at one or more events, at locations that work for you.  

• You can choose a time that suits you! You could volunteer for a half day, a full day or a shift of a few hours, like an early set up option from 6 – 9am.  

How we’ll look after you 

We want you to have the best experience at our events and ensure you get the most out of your volunteering experience. We will: 

• Be in contact in the lead up to the day so you know what to expect, what to bring and to answer any questions you might have

• Give you a full briefing on arrival 

• Support and guide you throughout the day 
• Provide clappers, cheering sticks, whistles and loud hailers to make you stand out from the crowd, and create an energetic atmosphere

• Provide meals and snacks as appropriate 
• Cover your travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, as agreed with your Event Manager

Why volunteer for Cancer Research UK 

What you’ll gain

As well as beating cancer, volunteering with us has a host of benefits for you too, including:  

• Gaining skills and experience in the events and charity sector.
• Meeting like-minded people and having fun!
• Making a difference in your community and helping drive progress for people affected by cancer.

Why we need you 

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. And so far, we’ve made incredible progress – in the last 50 years, we’ve helped to double cancer survival in the UK. To make these advances possible, we rely on our community of brilliant volunteers, who give their time to help fund research that saves lives.

By volunteering, you’re helping to bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.

How to apply

Just click on the ‘Apply Now’ link at the top of the page, fill out the form and we’ll be in touch.

At Cancer Research UK we know that having a diverse volunteer community will help us to beat cancer. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We will happily consider making any reasonable adjustments to support volunteer applications from people with a disability or health condition.

Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned veteran, we’d love for you to join us!  

If you have any questions about becoming a volunteer, please email volunteering@cancer.org.uk. Or, you may find the answer listed in our FAQs.