In every corner of the UK, 400,000 participants are limbering up to join the fight against cancer. Last year, our Race for Life events raised an incredible £26 million, which will help fund life-changing research. But our participants couldn’t cross the finish line without the passion and energy of an amazing team of volunteers like you. Whether you’re going solo, bringing a friend or are part of a larger group, your support powers our events and helps make progress possible.
We have many volunteering roles on offer at our events. 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 in our amazing events.
Setting up and packing down the event. This may include helping to set up the course and marshal stations, putting up marquees and flags, getting water to the finish line and clearing up after the event has finished.
You could be located at one of our Course Marshal points, cheering and encouraging our participants and helping them to navigate their way around the course. At our Pretty Muddy events, as an Obstacle Marshal you’ll get the opportunity to guide participants as they climb, crawl and slide their way around the obstacles and help them get as muddy as possible!
You'll help answer queries from participants and spectators during the event. This could include anything from simple directions to processing on-the-day entries, and of course being a friendly and welcoming face to our participants.
You will guide, support and motivate participants by cycling parts of the route. This role requires that you bring your own bike, suitable to the terrain of the course.
For 10k races, you’ll help to pace our 10k participants to meet their time. This opportunity is perfect for keen runners.
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.
We are only able to accept volunteers over 18 years of age for the following roles: Course Marshall, Cycle Marshall
You must be living in the UK in order to volunteer with at one of our events.
We ask all applicants to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions.
Event season runs from May to July, all over the UK.
You can join us at one or more of our events at locations that work for you.
Most events take place at weekends, although we do have some weekday evening events in selected locations.
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.
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 meals and snacks as appropriate
Cover your travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, as agreed with your Event Manager
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.
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.
Click on the ‘Sign up to volunteer’ 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.
Return to our volunteering homepage and find out what other volunteer roles are available in your area and apply today.
