Make your pair
run your share

Split the distance with RNIB's virtual running event

Inspired by the way many people with sight loss run with a guide runner, Marathon Mates is all about pairing up and running together.

Grab a mate to run a marathon (26.2 miles) between you during the month of May
Split the distance your way. Take 13.1 miles each or find a more natural middle ground, it's up to you. Don’t fancy running, no problem. You can walk, jog, skip or cover the distance however you want
Set your own goals. It's free to register and you set your own fundraising target. We suggest £150 per pair but it’s up to you

Whether you run side-by-side or as a virtual pair, you’ll have each other’s back through every mile. And every penny you raise will support blind and partially sighted people across the UK.

Don’t worry if you haven’t found a buddy yet, you can register for free now and find a mate to join you later.

Images of young girl and a man with his guide dog with a graphic that shows they're each running 13.1 miles.

Every day 250 people in the UK start to lose their sight

You and a friend, from start to end

Marathon Mates is open to every kind of pair, whether you team up with an old running buddy, your guide runner or your partner who hasn't worn trainers since the 90s. It’s a great challenge to get fit and connect with someone in your life, whilst helping create a world without barriers for people with sight loss.

Coronavirus continues to affect us all, but it is disproportionately affecting blind and partially sighted people. Your fundraising could help make sure no call to the RNIB Helpline goes unanswered, so our Sight Loss Advisors can continue to offer vital practical and emotional support to everyone who needs it.

Side by side selfies of young woman and young man both smiling.

raised so far

pairs

donations

distance

Download the Marathon Mates video transcript.

Will you join these Marathon Mates?

Old running buddies back together

After 10 years apart, Steve and Stephen are getting back together virtually. Stephen wants to 'get my mid-20s shape back', whereas Steve is running for his Aunt Val, who is supported by RNIB every week.

A pair of trainers next to a photo of a man and a caption reading Stephen, 40, Swansea, 13.1 miles for my waistline

A pair of trainers next to a photo of a man and a caption reading Steve, 41, Cardiff, 13.1 miles for Aunt Val

A couple of couch potatoes

After a few too many nights in front of the TV, Shivani wants something new to get out for. Mo is a little less enthusiastic but has insisted on taking more of the miles, just to prove to Shivani that he can do it. Time will tell.

A pair of trainers next to a photo of a woman and a caption reading Shivani, 28, Manchester, 10 miles to get us off the sofa

A pair of trainers next to a photo of a man and a caption reading Mo, 30, Manchester, 16.2 miles to give us a new challenge

More Marathon Mates

See who's doing something great with a mate this May.

Make your pair run your share