Runners asked to go for glory and support the RNLI in the Great North Run

The RNLI has more than 200 lifeboat stations across the UK tasked with saving lives at sea and keeping people safe.

The RNLI has a small number of charity places available for the run which takes place on 13 September 2026. The closing date for expressions of interest is 31 Jan 2026.

In addition, the charity would welcome anyone who has independently secured their own place through the ballot, to also run for the RNLI.

Regional Engagement Lead Janet Cairns from the RNLI said: ‘We would like anyone with an interest, to raise money for the RNLI as part of the Great North Run.

‘You can do it by applying for one of the small number of charity places we have available. If you can’t get one of these, you can also raise money for us independently.

‘The money we raise through events like the Great North Run is vital to keeping the coast and sea safe.

‘The RNLI’s mission is to save lives at sea – and we couldn’t do it without the financial support we receive through events like these.'

All the information needed to sign up for a charity place or raise money independently for the RNLI can be found at:

https://fundraise.rnli.org/event/great-north-run-2026/

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead, North and East: [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.