Brian Chan
Brian Chan
Last updated 07 November 2025
Volunteers form the backbone of every race. Before runners arrive, they mark courses, prepare aid stations, and ensure safety. When fatigue strikes mid‑race, it is often a volunteer’s shout of encouragement that keeps athletes moving.
Their impact reaches beyond helping participants. Volunteering offers perspective on the scale of race logistics. It builds community by uniting athletes, families, and locals. It also motivates, as seeing competitors push through inspires training goals. Many organisers add rewards such as free entries, shirts, or snacks.
With marathon fees ranging from £40 to well over £100 in major cities, a complimentary place earned through volunteering is both a financial saving and a meaningful reward.
These tasks don’t require any administrative work, making them an easy way to earn a free entry to the race. Plus, you’ll get to connect with a great group of people who share your passion.
Here’s the meat of it: specific organisations where swapping a day of volunteering can get your name on a start list for free.
What they offer: Volunteer at one of UK Ultra’s events and you’ll receive a free entry into any of their races within the next two years. That includes not only half marathons or road races but also their ultra-distance events—a massive saving if you’re eyeing up long adventure runs.
Why it’s worth considering: UK Ultra events often involve scenic trail routes and ultramarathon challenges. These are not small, local 10Ks—entries can be expensive. Getting one entirely free in exchange for giving back a day of your time is one of the best trades out there.
What they offer: By volunteering at one of their trail runs or their popular Inflatable 5K events, you’ll earn a free entry into a future event of your choice. On top of that, volunteers receive a bundle worth over £80.
Why it’s worth considering: From the playful Inflatable 5K series to the famous Thames Path Trail Run—and countless other scenic challenges like the South Downs adventure and the bright, buzzing BrighTEN Seafront Run—there’s something for everyone. It’s an especially great way to get involved if you live in the South Coast area.
What they offer: Volunteers at Run Sandringham stand a chance to become one of their famous “Race Makers.”Supporters can earn a free race entry into a future Run Sandringham event for themselves OR for a friend.
They also offer a "Run for FREE scheme": if you provide a volunteer for an event you’re personally running, your own entry fee will be refunded.
Why it’s worth considering: The option to volunteer on behalf of a friend is brilliant. It gives flexibility—maybe you’re injured or not planning to race in 2025, but you can still gift someone else your perk.
If you like get your self dirty on trails, this is a great option. Over 20 signature obstacles, from rope climbs and intricate multi-rig swings to precise spear throws, these courses are engineered to test your physical strength and forge your mental resilience.
What they offer: Volunteers at a Spartan Race get a free entry into one of their UK events: Sprint 5K, City 5K, Stadion 5K, Super 10K, or Beast 21K
Why it’s worth considering: Spartan Races are high-energy, challenge-focused, and sometimes expensive. They also sell out quickly. Volunteering gives you not just a free place but also guaranteed access. Plus, the atmosphere is addictive—think mud, walls, fire jumps, and camaraderie.
What they offer: Volunteer marshals get a credit voucher towards a future race entry with PMA Racing. A key perk is that marshals are guaranteed a place in their chosen event—even if it has already sold out.
Why it’s worth considering: Spartan Races are high-energy, challenge-focused, and sometimes expensive. They also sell out quickly. Volunteering gives you not just a free place but also guaranteed access. Plus, the atmosphere is addictive—think mud, walls, fire jumps, and camaraderie.
What they offer: By volunteering at major events like the Saucony London 10K, you bag yourself a free entry to a future Motiv Sports UK event in 2026. Their calendar includes some iconic races: Hackney Half, Oxford Half, and the Blenheim Triathlon.
Why it’s worth considering: These are iconic big-city events with serious atmosphere and crowds. Volunteering places you right in the action—cheering thousands of runners past Buckingham Palace or through central London.
What they offer: Volunteers here not only get a guaranteed free race place at the following year’s event, but also: A breakfast roll, a drink, a special “volunteer-only” medal.
Why it’s worth considering: The Ealing Half Marathon is one of the UK’s most beloved community races, known for its atmosphere and “Ealing Eagles” fanbase. That medal is a nice extra touch you don’t often see elsewhere.
What they offer: Volunteer marshals get a free entry into a future Go Beyond Challenge race, which can even be transferred to a friend. Volunteers also receive food, drink, and a t-shirt, making it a well-rounded package.
Why it’s worth considering: Go Beyond runs cover endurance trail runs, relays, and cycling challenges. If you’re dipping a toe into ultra distances, volunteering first gives you a feel for what to expect.
What they offer: By volunteering at one of their events, you earn a race entry credit equal to the value of the event you volunteered at. Afterwards, there’s also free food and a drink at race HQ.
Why it’s worth considering: The equal value means no downscaling—you don’t volunteer for a marathon and then only get entry to a local 5K. What you give in time reflects directly in what you can claim.
What they offer: “Eventeers” (yes, that’s what they call their volunteers!) get a free race entry into a future Run For All event. These include major city races like Leeds, Sheffield, and Hull Marathons. Volunteers can also win sponsor prizes.
Why it’s worth considering: Fun branding for volunteers makes it clear that they’re at the heart of these races. If you’re in Yorkshire or surrounding regions, this is a brilliant scheme for free entries.
While parkrun doesn’t offer free entries—because it’s already free!—it deserves its own mention.
Every Saturday morning across the UK (and internationally), thousands of parkruns take place thanks to volunteers. Tasks range from timing runners, scanning barcodes, cheering, or tail walking. If you want to feel part of a running community, volunteering at a parkrun is an excellent start.
Many regular participants make a habit of alternating: running one week, volunteering the next. Volunteers are celebrated just as much as the runners—sometimes more.
Sure, the free entry is a fantastic perk, but ask any runner who’s volunteered and they’ll tell you the sense of giving back is what truly sticks.
Volunteering helps you gain empathy; the next time you race, you’ll notice and appreciate the marshals standing in the rain directing you. It also builds confidence, whether you’re speaking to crowds or helping nervous first-timers and developing your presence. On top of that, volunteering fosters networking, allowing you to make friends within your local running community—sometimes even finding new training partners.
Perhaps most surprising of all, volunteering can actually make you a better runner. Watching other athletes race and observing what works, what doesn’t, and where people shine or struggle can offer invaluable insights for your own training and racing.
If you’re considering volunteering for the first time, here are some quick tips to make it enjoyable:
Running isn’t just about crossing finish lines or shaving time off your PB. It’s about community. By volunteering at a race, you give back to that community and help it grow. And yes—you can also run for free next time.
From ultras in the countryside to inflatable obstacle runs, city half marathons, or obstacle races, the UK is brimming with opportunities. Every organisation listed here proves one thing: when you give time, you’re rewarded not just with a race entry, but with friendships, memories, and a deeper appreciation of the sport.
So, why not give it a try? Volunteer once, and you might just find yourself hooked—not only because of the free marathon place but because of the joy of cheering on others to their finish line.