Take on an unforgettable challenge and help change young lives
Join thousands of runners at Buckinghamshire’s most popular weekend of running – with the choice of a marathon, half marathon or 5k – and turn your miles into life-changing opportunities for young people supported by Action4Youth.
The MK Marathon Weekend is a multi-award-winning event, consistently ranked among the top UK marathons, with an AIMS-certified course and BARR Gold accreditation for outstanding race management. The route is famously scenic, taking in lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and green spaces, and finishes with an unforgettable lap inside Stadium:MK.
By securing a charity place and running for Action4Youth, you will be helping to fund programmes that build confidence, resilience and real-world skills for children and young people across Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and the wider region.
Register your interest and run for Action4Youth
You can also contact our fundraising team directly at fundraising@action4youth.org
What is the MK Marathon Weekend?
The MK Marathon Weekend takes place over the early May Bank Holiday and brings together runners of all abilities for two days of events in and around Milton Keynes.
Runners enjoy:
- A scenic, largely traffic-free route through lakes, parks, woodland and original Milton Keynes villages
- A flat, fast course ideal for both first-timers and those chasing a personal best
- A spectacular stadium finish inside Stadium:MK, cheered on by thousands of supporters
The event also serves as a qualifying race for major marathons including London and Boston, and as an Abbott World Marathon Majors Age Group qualifier.
What is the MK Marathon Weekend?
Action4Youth has a limited number of charity places for the MK Marathon Weekend. To secure one of these places, we ask each runner to commit to a minimum fundraising pledge:
- £500 – Full Marathon charity place
- £350 – Half Marathon charity place
- £250 – 5k charity place
Your registration and fundraising will go directly towards supporting Action4Youth’s work with young people, helping us to deliver more life-enhancing programmes and experiences.
How to join Team Action4Youth
1
Choose your distance
Decide whether you will take on the marathon, half marathon or 5k.
2
Register your interest
3
Confirm your place and pledge
Our team will confirm availability, talk you through the fundraising pledges and help you secure your charity place.
4
Set up your fundraising page
We will provide details and guidance to help you create an online fundraising page for Action4Youth and start sharing your story.
5
Train, fundraise and spread the word
As you prepare for race day, we will support you with fundraising ideas, resources and encouragement.
6
Race weekend and beyond
Enjoy an unforgettable weekend of running, cross that iconic stadium finish line – and celebrate the impact your fundraising will have for local young people.
Distances you can run for Action4Youth
-
MK Marathon (26.2 miles)
The flagship event and an incredible achievement for experienced or ambitious runners. -
MK Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
A hugely popular option with a fantastic atmosphere and the same stadium finish. -
5K
Perfect if you are newer to running, returning from a break, or want a shorter challenge that still makes a big impact
Why choose Action4Youth?
By choosing to run the MK Marathon for Action4Youth, you will be backing a charity that:
- Works with around 25,000 children and young people each year, providing positive and often transformational experiences.
- Delivers structured programmes that build confidence, resilience and life skills – from outdoor adventure and holiday programmes to mentoring and targeted support.
- Focuses on young people who may be facing disadvantage, poor mental health or limited opportunities, helping them to feel included and hopeful about their futures.
How your fundraising will help
Your fundraising could help:
- Provide outdoor adventure sessions at The Caldecotte Xperience for young people who might otherwise miss out
- Support mentoring and personal development programmes for those at risk of exclusion or struggling in education
- Fund safe, welcoming spaces where young people can build relationships, talk openly and develop vital life skills
Every pound you raise helps ensure that no young person in our community is left behind.
