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- Tasks: Cheer on marathon runners and support fundraising efforts for Mencap.
- Company: Join Mencap, a leading charity supporting people with learning disabilities.
- Benefits: Meet new friends, gain experience, and receive out-of-pocket expenses.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while having fun at an iconic event!
- Qualifications: Be friendly, reliable, and ready to cheer!
- Other info: Volunteering helps raise vital funds and promotes inclusivity.
We are on the lookout for volunteers to join us at the 2026 London Marathon. As a volunteer on the day, you’ll support Mencap to make change through raising funds and cheering on our superstar marathon runners. The 2026 TCS London Marathon is a 26.2 mile run around central London with over 40,000 people taking part. Mencap has over 128 runners participating and fundraising for us. They will run on Sunday 26 April 2026. Each of our runners will try to raise £2,500. We want to give them as much support as possible, so we will have cheer points along the route and a post-race reception to congratulate them for their achievement!
We need volunteers to join us at one of our 3 cheer points - the cheer points are at Tower Bridge, Embankment, or at the Finish Line on the Mall! For these roles, you will need to come ready to cheer and high five our amazing runners! For the finish line, there are 2 roles you could do: either meeting the runners at the finish line to congratulate them and guide them to the team, or to meet them on Horse Guards Parade and hand out snacks and congratulations!
We are asking you to volunteer for around 4 hours, rain or shine, so be ready to bring the enthusiasm to help them cross the line!
What will I be doing?
You will be volunteering at one of Mencap's cheer points on April 26th. This might include:
- Waving flags
- Making lots of noise with clappers and whistles
- Thanking people for running and raising money for Mencap
To sign up to volunteer with us, please choose the time and location that works best for you on the following link:
- To sign up to cheer at Tower Bridge, choose Tower Bridge Road
- To sign up to cheer at Embankment, choose one of the time slots for Victoria Embankment Gardens
- To sign up to cheer, direct and hand out snacks to the finished runners at the Finish Line, choose one of the time slots for The Mall, London
The London Marathon is the biggest one-day fundraising event in the world! Because of this, it is really popular both to run and for families and friends to come and support the runners. Some of our cheer points are in busy areas of the route and can get very busy. Sometimes, roads or tube stations might also be closed, so you may not be able to go your planned route to your cheer point. However, you will have a volunteer manager who will be on hand to support you and provide guidance on where to go!
Earlier and later volunteer shifts will also be less busy if you prefer to be away from the crowd. Our events are vital to Mencap, bringing people together to share experiences, launch programmes, and celebrate successes! They also often help to raise funds for our services, such as the Learning Disability Helpline, advocacy services, and national campaigns such as Homes not Hospitals. We couldn’t run these events without the support of volunteers, so by giving a few hours of your time, you can help us to host events, raise vital funds to support Mencap's work, and support people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.
You’ll be part of a diverse and inclusive team alongside volunteers with and without a learning disability. You will represent Mencap and help to promote our work and raise awareness for people with a learning disability at iconic events across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
As a Mencap Volunteer you will be:
- Friendly and Approachable
- Reliable, Kind and Patient
- Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
- Ready to be loud, cheer, and give high fives!
As a Mencap volunteer you will:
- Make new friends
- Receive agreed out of pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
- Receive a full volunteer briefing and training on the day
- Have a chance to give back to your local community
About Mencap
Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives. Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people, and join a passionate and dedicated team.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us: volunteering@mencap.org.uk
London Marathon Volunteer - April 26th employer: Royal Mencap Society
Contact Detail:
Royal Mencap Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land London Marathon Volunteer - April 26th
✨Tip Number 1
Get your cheer on! When you volunteer, bring your A-game and be ready to support our runners with enthusiasm. High fives, loud cheers, and a big smile can make all the difference on race day!
✨Tip Number 2
Stay flexible! With the London Marathon being such a massive event, things can change quickly. Be prepared for road closures or busy areas, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your volunteer manager for guidance.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with fellow volunteers! This is a great chance to meet new people who share your passion for supporting a good cause. Team up, share tips, and make some friends while you’re at it!
✨Tip Number 4
Sign up through our website! It’s super easy to choose your preferred cheer point and time slot. Plus, you’ll be part of something amazing, helping Mencap raise vital funds and awareness for people with learning disabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace London Marathon Volunteer - April 26th
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 enthusiasm for cheering on our amazing runners.
Follow the Instructions: Make sure to read the application instructions carefully. Choose the right cheer point and time slot that works best for you. It helps us organise everything smoothly!
Highlight Your Skills: If you've got experience in volunteering or working with diverse groups, mention it! We love friendly and approachable volunteers who are ready to cheer and support everyone.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensure you get all the info you need for the big day.
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Mencap Society
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a volunteer at the London Marathon entails. Familiarise yourself with the specific cheer points and the tasks involved, like waving flags and cheering on runners. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Bring the Energy
Since this role is all about cheering and supporting runners, it’s essential to convey your energy during the interview. Practice speaking with enthusiasm and positivity, as this reflects the spirit of the event. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to motivate others.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Volunteering is all about teamwork, so be prepared to discuss your experiences working in groups. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others, especially in high-energy environments. Highlight your friendly and approachable nature, which is key for this role.
✨Ask Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the event or the organisation. This shows your genuine interest in Mencap and the impact of your role. You might ask about the training provided or how volunteers are supported on the day of the marathon.
