London Marathon post-race runner guide

What will I be doing?

• Looking out for runners wearing Breakthrough T1D running tops at the marathon finish line.
• Congratulating Breakthrough T1D runners as they finish the marathon.
• Guiding Team Breakthrough T1D runners from the finish line at Horse Guards Parade to our post-race reception venue in Westminster (approx. 10-minute walk)
• Supporting Breakthrough T1D runners’ family and friends who may identify you and ask for directions to the post-race reception venue.

What skills or experience do I need?

• Comfortable in large crowds and able to move through large crowds of people. The finish area of the London Marathon can get very busy throughout the day.
• Comfortable approaching Breakthrough T1D runners in the finish area so you can guide them to the post-race reception venue.
• Able to wear a charity banner (similar to a rucksack with a flag above it) to make you identifiable to our runners and their supporters.
• Able to spend a lot of time on your feet, walking between the finish area and the post-race reception venue several times throughout the day.
  • Please note: While Central Hall is a very short distance from the finish area (usually 10 minutes’ walk), the crowds, road crossings and the one-way systems put in place by the London Marathon team mean that the walk can take longer.
• You must be aged 18 or over to carry out this volunteer role.
• Please note: In the interests of maximising charity funds, we prioritise volunteers who are based near to marathon finish line (in or around London).

When do you need me?

Date: Sunday 26 April 2026

Time: Midday to 5.30pm (at the latest)

Please arrive at the post-race reception venue (Central Hall, Storey’s Gate, London SW1H 9NH) for midday, for a volunteer briefing meeting. We’ll provide lunch (sandwiches) for you before you head out to the finish line at Horse Guards Parade.

Where will I be based?

Between the marathon finish line at Horse Guards Parade and the post-race reception venue at Central Hall.

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 to Central Hall is Westminster
(Circle, District or Jubilee lines) or Embankment (Circle, District, Bakerloo or Northern lines).

What training and support will I receive?

• We’ll send you a copy of our Volunteer Handbook, which will give you all the information you’ll need to know about volunteering with us. We’ll also ask you to sign and return a copy of our Volunteer Agreement, which sets out what we’ll do to support you, and what we expect from you, during your time volunteering with us.
• We’ll give you a volunteer information pack, which includes a reminder of the timings; a map to where the finish line and reception venue are located; details of anything you need to bring with you; and the name and contact details of a member of Breakthrough T1D staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.
• On the day there will be members of Breakthrough T1D staff at the reception venue, who will give you all the support you need. A member of staff will accompany you to the finish line when you begin, to help you get started.
• We’ll give you a Breakthrough T1D t-shirt to wear (you can keep your t-shirt afterwards), and a charity banner and/or flags to make you identifiable as a Breakthrough T1D runner guide.
• We’ll reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in accordance with Breakthrough T1D volunteering policies (see details in your Volunteer Handbook).
• You can contact the Volunteer Team at any time at volunteering@breakthrought1d.org.uk or 020 3410 6084

How do I apply?

If you’d like to join us at our cheer station, please complete this registration form.

For more information about volunteering with us, please contact volunteering@breakthrought1d.org

For more information about the London Marathon, please contact londonmarathon@breakthrought1d.org.uk