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A woman running the London Marathon for the RNLI smiles at the camera with her arms in the air. There are other people running alongside her and in the background.

London Marathon training and fundraising resources

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Everything you need for your marathon journey

Your miles help keep our lifeboats launching and our crews ready to save lives.

You’re part of something extraordinary. As one of our RNLI Running Crew, every mile you train, every step you take, and every pound you raise helps save lives at sea. Here, you’ll find all the tools, inspiration, and resources to make your marathon journey unforgettable — from training support and fundraising ideas to downloadable materials that help you tell your story and rally your supporters.

  • Fundraising Guide

    Your ultimate guide to running — and fundraising — like a lifesaver

    Our Fundraising Guide is packed with advice to help you reach your target and make every mile matter. Inside, you’ll find creative ideas, storytelling tips, and real examples of how your fundraising powers rescues — from protective kit and vital training to the lifeboats themselves. Download your guide and take your first step towards the fundraising finish line.

    Download the Fundraising Guide
  • A man running the London Marathon for the RNLI reaches out to high five a woman cheering him on from the sidelines. There are other people running in the background.
    Empty Belly Poster 

    Show your crew pride with a personalised running poster

    Make your marathon journey visible and inspiring! Our Empty Belly Poster lets you add your name, target, or motivation — whether that’s a loved one, a coastal memory, or your passion for the RNLI. Display it proudly at home, work, or your local café to remind everyone why you’re running to help save lives at sea.

    Download your poster
  • Preview of the RNLI’s London Marathon sponsorship form, sterling
    Sponsorship Forms 

    Every signature helps save lives

    Prefer to raise funds in person? Use our Sponsorship Form to collect donations from friends, family, or colleagues. Each name and every pound you gather helps fund the kit, training, and lifeboats our crews depend on when the call for help comes. 

    Download UK Sponsorship form

    Download ROI Sponsorship form

  • Preview of RNLI London Marathon A6 poster
    Sweepstake Poster

    Get your friends guessing for good!

    How fast will you finish the 26.2 miles? Let your friends and colleagues take a guess for a small donation using our Sweepstake Poster. It’s a simple, social, and light-hearted way to raise extra funds — and every guess helps keep our volunteers rescue-ready.

    Download your Sweepstake Poster
A man smiling as he runs the London Marathon for the RNLI. He is wearing a bright orange RNLI running vest and carrying a water bottle. There are other runners in the background.

RNLI Runners Facebook group

Chatting to other people who are running for the RNLI is a great way to stay motivated – and even make new friends.

Whether you’re looking for some training advice or have your own tip or story to share, join the RNLI Runners Facebook group. 

 
Join the group on Facebook

Additional fundraising Materials

Everything you need, all in one place

Our Additional Materials hub keeps everything simple and accessible — from printable posters to handy templates and forms. Whether you’re planning an event or adding finishing touches to your fundraising, you’ll find all the essentials right here.

Make your miles go even further — host a Cuppa for the Crew

Brew up some extra support for your marathon fundraising! Hosting a Cuppa for the Crew is a simple and heartwarming way to boost your total while sharing the RNLI story. Whether it’s a quick tea break at work, a garden gathering, or a post-run coffee catch-up, every cuppa helps save lives. 

Plan it your way — every event helps save lives

Whether you’re hosting a bake sale, quiz night, raffle or garden gathering to help hit your target, start with our Handy Fundraising Guide — it’s packed with fresh ideas, planning tips, and real stories to spark your imagination. Then explore our ready-to-use materials below to help your event look and feel the part. From printable bunting and certificates to collection labels and posters, everything’s here to help your event run smoothly and make a splash.

Bring your marathon story to life across your social channels with our Social Media Materials. Choose from downloadable images, captions, and hashtags that make it easy to thank donors, celebrate milestones, and show your friends how their support makes a difference.

Tag your posts with #RNLIMarathon and join the crew online!

Facebook/Instagram Feed posts

Facebook/Instagram Story posts

X (Twitter) posts

Marathon training videos

You’re not in this alone. Our Marathon Training Videos are here to guide you through every stage of your training. From pace-setting and recovery to motivation and mindset, they’ll help you feel prepared, confident, and part of something bigger.

In our first video, Steve Rookes, who has run several London Marathons for the RNLI, and Stuart Offer, a sports therapist, will get you started with your training. 

Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced runner, you need to make sure you are preparing properly for the big event. In this video, we talk about forming a training plan, choosing the right running equipment, and give you a few tips and tricks to improve your preparations. 

The race is on 21 April 2024, so aim for 6 miles or 60 minutes running by Christmas. When training morning or evening, pick well-lit routes. Wearing bright and colourful training clothing is important all year round and focus on layering. 

In this video, we discuss how to step up your training. How do you build up core strength? How do you get the right nutrition for your run? And what kit should you be using?

In the third video of the series, we talk about how to stay safe when out running and keeping well during your training. There’s advice on cold weather running, tips on the best gear to wear in the colder months, more nutritional advice to get your teeth into, and advice on minimising injury to yourself.

Meet the Experts event – hosted by London Marathon events.

In the fourth video of the series, we talk about how to get organised for your marathon run. Have you planned how to get to and from your race? Taking part in any 10ks or half marathons in prep if you can? And what about nutrition on the day? This video will talk you through all you need to know to get organised for your race.

If you’re taking on the virtual race, be sure to plan your route and if you can run parts of it ahead of the day. Get your friends and family involved to help you during your run and at the end! 

London Marathon Expo – hosted by London Marathon Events. 

In the fifth video of the series, we look at some of the final things to consider before the big race. With your marathon fast approaching, we discuss training plans, how to cope with the highs and lows of the race, and how you can speak with other runners to share your worries before the big race. 

Remember the 6-week rule! 

Taking on the virtual? Try to break up your route and be sure to plan your start time, what you need to bring with you or have ready at the finish, and where your supporters will be.

In the sixth and final video of the series, we give you some tips on how to make the most of the big run. We have tips on mentality, what to do if you fall ill or injured, and how to really embrace the marathon atmosphere. Relax ahead of the race and take some time to reflect on your achievements!

The London Marathon Expo is on Wednesday 17 to Saturday 20 April 2024 - hosted by London Marathon Events.

Got any questions?

Get in touch with the RNLI Marathon Events Team at [email protected]
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