At a Glance
- Tasks: Cheer on participants, support with questions, and distribute refreshments at the Oxford Half Marathon.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK's passionate volunteer team to help beat cancer.
- Benefits: Gain skills, meet new friends, and make a real difference in your community.
- Other info: Flexible shifts available; perfect for first-time volunteers or seasoned pros!
- Why this job: Be part of an inspiring event and contribute to life-saving cancer research.
- Qualifications: Friendly, engaging, and ready to bring energy and smiles.
Right now, our 2026 Oxford Half Marathon participants are getting ready to take to the streets of Oxford to raise vital funds for research into preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. But our participants couldn’t cross the finish line without the passion and energy of an amazing team of volunteers like you. Join the 2026 Oxford Half Marathon Volunteer Team and let's beat cancer together.
What you’ll be doing
- Cheering on participants around the course
- Helping to support our participants with any questions or issues
- Giving out refreshments
- Collecting cash donations
The kind of person we’re looking for
- Engaging, friendly and keen to make sure everyone has a brilliant day.
- Flexible and willing to get stuck in and help.
- Team players - you’ll be joining a lovely bunch of other volunteers!
- Those who can bring their energy, smiles and passion to help us beat cancer together!
Any volunteers under the age of 18 will need permission from a parent or legal guardian and will need to be accompanied by this responsible adult at the event. You must be living in the UK in order to volunteer at an event. We ask all applicants to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions.
Where and when
Events run throughout the summer and autumn, all over the UK. You can join us at one or more events, at locations that work for you. You can choose a time that suits you! You could volunteer for a half day, a full day or a shift of a few hours, like an early set up option from 6 – 9am.
How we’ll look after you
- Be in contact in the lead up to the day so you know what to expect, what to bring and to answer any questions you might have
- Give you a full briefing on arrival
- Support and guide you throughout the day
- Provide clappers, cheering sticks, whistles and loud hailers to make you stand out from the crowd, and create an energetic atmosphere
- Provide meals and snacks as appropriate
- Cover your travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, as agreed with your Event Manager
What you’ll gain
- Gaining skills and experience in the events and charity sector.
- Meeting like-minded people and having fun!
- Making a difference in your community and helping drive progress for people affected by cancer.
Why we need you
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. And so far, we’ve made incredible progress – in the last 50 years, we’ve helped to double cancer survival in the UK. To make these advances possible, we rely on our community of brilliant volunteers, who give their time to help fund research that saves lives. By volunteering, you’re helping to bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
How to apply
Click on the ‘Sign up to volunteer’ link at the top of the page, fill out the form and we’ll be in touch. At Cancer Research UK we know that having a diverse volunteer community will help us to beat cancer. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We will happily consider making any reasonable adjustments to support volunteer applications from people with a disability or health condition. Whether you’re a first‑time volunteer or a seasoned veteran, we’d love for you to join us!
Event Volunteer – 2026 Oxford Half Marathon – 11th October 2026 employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the contributions of our volunteers. By joining our team for the 2026 Oxford Half Marathon, you'll not only gain invaluable experience in the charity sector but also become part of a vibrant community dedicated to making a real difference in the fight against cancer. With flexible volunteering options, comprehensive support, and a commitment to inclusivity, we ensure that every volunteer feels valued and empowered to help us achieve our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Event Volunteer – 2026 Oxford Half Marathon – 11th October 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the event inside out! Familiarise yourself with the Oxford Half Marathon details, including the route and key timings. This way, you can confidently engage with participants and help them feel at ease.
✨Tip Number 2
Bring your A-game energy! The more enthusiasm you show, the more it’ll rub off on the participants. Whether you're cheering or handing out refreshments, your positive vibes will make a huge difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t hesitate to ask questions! If you’re unsure about something on the day, just ask a fellow volunteer or an event manager. We’re all in this together, and communication is key to making the event run smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to sign up through our website! It’s the easiest way to get involved and ensures you’re part of our amazing volunteer community. Plus, we’ll keep you updated with all the info you need leading up to the event!
We think you need these skills to ace Event Volunteer – 2026 Oxford Half Marathon – 11th October 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for helping others and your enthusiasm for the event.
Tailor Your Comments:In the ‘Comments’ section, mention any specific roles you’re interested in. This helps us place you where you’ll enjoy yourself the most and make the biggest impact on the day!
Keep It Clear and Concise:Make sure your application is easy to read. Use clear language and get straight to the point. We appreciate brevity, but don’t forget to include all the important details about your experience and why you want to volunteer.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep you updated on the next steps. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our amazing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know the Cause
Before your interview, take some time to understand Cancer Research UK's mission and the importance of the Oxford Half Marathon. Being able to speak passionately about why you want to volunteer will show your genuine interest and commitment.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work well in a team. Share examples from past experiences where you collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. This role is all about teamwork, so demonstrating your friendly and engaging nature will be key.
✨Be Flexible and Ready to Help
Highlight your willingness to take on various roles and adapt to the needs of the event. Mention any previous volunteering experiences where you had to think on your feet or help out in unexpected ways. This shows that you're ready to get stuck in!
✨Ask Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the specific roles available, what a typical day looks like, or how volunteers are supported. It shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in making a difference.
