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JDRF has now rebranded to Breakthrough T1D.
Our name has changed, our mission has not.

Volunteer role

London Marathon cheer station volunteer

Based at Mile 17 along the London Marathon route, our charity cheer station volunteers will help to form the face of Breakthrough T1D on London Marathon day.
Content last reviewed and updated: 04.03.2025

A group of people wearing Breakthrough T1D t-shirts are cheering and waving flags.

In April 2025, Breakthrough T1D will have a team of over 180 runners taking to the streets of London for one of the world’s biggest and best marathon running events. Part of what makes London Marathon day so special for the runners is the incredible support they receive along the route. Based at Mile 17, our charity cheer station volunteers will help to form the face of Breakthrough T1D on London Marathon day. 

Our runners are aiming to raise a total of just over £500,000 for Breakthrough T1D, so we want to ensure that they get the best experience possible.

What will I be doing?

  • Providing support for runners taking part in the 2025 London Marathon.
  • Looking out for runners wearing Breakthrough T1D running tops and pointing them out to your fellow cheerers and our photographer if necessary.
  • Cheering and helping to make our cheer station the loudest on the London Marathon route!
  • Helping to support families of our runners who may also come and use the cheer station as a point to see their runners.

What skills or experience do I need?

No experience is necessary. We are just looking for people who are enthusiastic about supporting the charity and who aren’t afraid to get stuck in and create a fun atmosphere for our runners and their supporters.

Please note, this role will require you to be outside and on your feet for most of the day. We will not be providing any seating, but you will be welcome to take breaks as and when the need for these arises.

When do you need me?

Date: Sunday 27 April 2025

Time: Our staff will be there from 8am to set up. You can arrive any time from this point, but we ask you to be there by 10:30am at the latest.

The cheer station will be packed down when it is clear that all Breakthrough T1D runners have run past. We anticipate this will be approximately 3pm. However, if you’re not able to stay for the full day, any amount of time you are able to provide is greatly appreciated.

Where will I be based?

The cheer station is located at Mile 17 along the Marathon route. This will be at Mudchute, Isle of Dogs (approximate postcode E14 3HP).

Exact location may be subject to change if any alterations are made to the London Marathon’s usual route.

There will be no parking in the area on the day, as most roads will be closed for the Marathon. However, public transport is easily accessible and the nearest station is Mudchute (DLR).

What training and support will I receive?

You will be provided with full volunteer information, including a reminder of the timings, maps to where the cheer station will be located, what to bring with you and more. Our Challenge & Sports Events Manager will also be on hand to provide additional information and can arrange briefing calls if required.

On the day, there will be at least two members of Breakthrough T1D staff managing the cheer station. They will be your main contacts and their names and contact details will be provided in your volunteer briefing document nearer the time.

You will also be gifted a free Breakthrough T1D t-shirt to wear at the cheer station. We will also have cheering materials available, such as flags and bang bang sticks. All of these will be available for you to collect when you arrive.

How do I apply?

If you would like to join, please email londonmarathon@breakthrought1d.org.uk with the following information:

  • Your name.
  • Phone number – Don’t worry, we’ll only use it to send you updates about London Marathon day. For easier communication on the day, we may set up a WhatsApp group, but we will always gather your permission before adding you to this.
  • Why you would like to join our London Marathon cheer station.

You can also use this email address to ask any questions you may have about the role or the London Marathon.

No CVs are necessary and we aim to respond to all emails within two working days.