Running events

Have a question about taking part in a running event? Take a look at our FAQ's below. If you need more information, please contact us by emailing running@nspcc.org.uk or calling 0207 825 2621.

I have secured my own place in a run, can I run for you?

How do I secure an NSPCC charity place?

What’s the difference between a guaranteed charity place runner and an own place runner?

What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising target?

How will my sponsorship help children?

Why do charity place runners have to reach a fundraising target, but own place runners don’t?

Do I need to pay anything now?

Does Gift Aid count towards my fundraising target?

What fundraising materials are available, and how do I order them?

My friends and I would like to run as a team, is this possible?

How do I get my runner number?

How do I withdraw or defer my place?

Is there a fundraising deadline?

How do I send you my sponsorship?

If I have any other questions, who do I contact?

I have secured my own place in a run, can I run for you?

Yes, we'd be delighted for you to join the team! If you secure your place through a race organiser you can choose to join NSPCC Events Team and raise money for us. To join the team you'll need to complete our own place registration form and we'll send you out a welcome pack to get you started. There’s no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship commitment for own place runners, we’d just be delighted if you would raise as much as possible for vulnerable children.
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How do I secure an  NSPCC charity place?

You'll need to complete a registration form available on the event page of the run you'd like to secure in. Visit our charity place registration form to register for your place.
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What’s the difference between a guaranteed charity place runner and an own place runner?

We offer guaranteed charity places in selected third party runs. The charity places are promoted on the individual event webpage of the runs that we have places in.

Own place runners secure their places directly from the race organisers. If you've joined NSPCC Events team as an own place runner and have not received a place from the race organisers, you should contact us as soon as possible.
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What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising target?

The NSPCC incurs costs for each place we have in a running event, so it is important that you raise the funds that you have committed to. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are worried about any aspect of fundraising. We are here to offer you advice to help you reach your target. The funds that you raise are vital for ensuring our ability to help more children.
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How will my sponsorship help children?

The money you raise will go towards helping vulnerable children across the UK. The NSPCC has many services it provides to help the most vulnerable children in society, as well as being there for all children who need us through services like ChildLine and the NSPCC helpline.

In 2012, all money raised from our running events will go towards the development of ChildLine. Now in its 25th year, ChildLine is a 24 hour helpline service for children who need someone to talk to when they are scared, angry or confused. Find out more about what the NSPCC does.
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Why do charity place runners have to reach a fundraising target, but own place runners don’t?

We pay for our charity places and runners who are allocated these places are required to commit to a specific fundraising target. We need to ensure that we not only cover the cost of the places, but also raise vital funds to help more children.

Own place runners secure and pay for their place from the race organisers. This means we don't pay for their involvement in the race and we ask them to raise as much money as they can, they aren't committed to a specific fundraising target.
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Do I need to pay anything now?

If you are registering for a charity place we will ask you to pay a registration fee by filling in your details on an application form. Registration fees vary depending on the event, and are all non-refundable and non-transferable.
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Does Gift Aid count towards my fundraising target?

Unfortunately, the tax claimed on Gift Aid donations does not form part of your fundraising total as the payment comes from the government and cannot be guaranteed. However, you should encourage your sponsors to tick the Gift Aid box if they are UK tax payers as this is an important source of additional income for us.
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What fundraising materials are available and how do I order them?

You can order all sorts of materials to help you with your fundraising, including collection boxes, posters, banners, balloons and more. To place an order for materials, please call us on 0207 825 2621 or email running@nspcc.org.uk.
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My friends and I would like to run as a team, is this possible?

All runners need to complete their own application form and make an individual pledge. If you are running as a team please contact us so that we can update our records.
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How do I get my running number?

Your running number is allocated by the race organisers and they will send this to you in your final instructions pack approximately one month before race day. The final instructions pack will also include all other race day details about getting to the start line, start times, the course and more.

If you have not received your final instructions pack from the race organisers, please contact them to let them know.
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How do I withdraw or defer my place?

For some running events it is possible for runners to defer their entry in a race until the following year. You will need to contact the race organisers to arrange this or look in your final instructions magazine.

Once you have withdrawn with the race organiser please email us so that we can update our records. If you are withdrawing from a charity place please ensure you let us know as soon as possible so that we can reallocate this place to another runner.

Any sponsorship money collected should be returned to your sponsors or forwarded on to the NSPCC. We may be able to transfer this to sponsorship for another event.
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Is there a fundraising deadline?

Fundraising deadlines are four weeks after race day. Please contact us if you feel you will be unable to meet this deadline for any reason.
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How do I send you my sponsorship?

Send all offline donations to us with a copy of your paying-in form for the event which you will receive with your fundraising support pack. If you do not have a paying in form, please include a note with your name, address and the name of your event and post it to:

Participation Events
NSPCC
Weston House
42 Curtain Road
London
EC2A 3NH

Alternatively, you can call us on 0207 825 2621 to make a credit or debit card payment over the phone.

Any money donated via Virgin Money Giving or Just Giving will come to us weekly and be credited towards your sponsorship. If you have used a different postal or email address to set up your online giving page from the one used when registering to run for us, please let us know as soon as possible.
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If I have any other questions, who do I contact?

Call the NSPCC Events team on 0207 825 2621  or email running@nspcc.org.uk. We are more than happy to help.
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