Running for Foothold

Join your race

Engineers shape the world we live in.

You can help protect them through life's toughest moments.

Turn your race into meaningful support for engineers and their families. We'll help you every step of the way:

Support with your entry

A Foothold running top

Fundraising guidance

Training advice

Support on race day

Why run for Foothold?

For more than 130 years, we've supported engineers and their families through illness, financial hardship, caring responsibilities and major life changes.

Whether you're taking on your first 5k or challenging yourself with an ultra-marathon, running for Foothold gives every mile a purpose.

London, UK- April 13, 2014: London Marathon in Canary Wharf aria, massive sport event for professionals and amateurs sportsmen, Champions League

What your fundraising achieves

Each pound you raise becomes a lifeline. Your fundraising helps us to:

Keep food on the table for a family in crisis
Give practical advice during life's toughest challenges
Offer wellbeing support for people facing illness
Fund neurodiversity assessments to support engineers in work and study

Every step you take helps an engineer to take their next one.

You’re not just completing a race. You’re standing beside people who keep our world connected, powered and safe.

Join your race

How it works

1. Pick your run

Choose an event that excites you. It might be your local 10k, a half marathon, a full marathon or a multi-distance challenge.

2. Register to run for Foothold

Use our sign-up form to let us know which event you're entering. We'll support you with fundraising materials and guidance.

3. Set your fundraising goal

Decide how much you want to raise. Share your fundraising challenge with friends, family and colleagues to build momentum.

4. Train with purpose

Every step brings you closer to your goal. We can offer training tips and encouragement to help you stay motivated while you prepare.

5. Enjoy the race

Soak up the atmosphere and bask in the support from the crowd. You're achieving your own goals and supporting engineers in need.

Choose your run

How every pound you raise helps engineers

Your fundraising can provide:

Grants to keep a roof over a family's head while they get back on their feet.
Support to help someone cope with illness, disability, or a sudden change in circumstances.
Financial advice for a family facing growing bills, reduced income or unexpected costs.
Specialist neurodiversity support for engineers struggling in their studies or career.

"In these worrying times we’re all facing, it’s easy to become consumed by anxiety, but Foothold gave me light and I’m so very grateful for that."
Adam
“Foothold have been a godsend to our family. The grey clouds are still around us, but Foothold have been a constant ray of sunshine in the darkness, reaching out to us and giving us some hope. I hate to think about where we’d be without them.” 
Pauline
"Foothold’s support has meant that I do still have a life to live. I hate to think about what would have happened had they not been there for us. It’s enabled me to focus on being the best dad that I can be."
John

When you run for Foothold, your training miles and race day effort become a lifeline.

Choose your challenge

How to make exercise work for you webinar

Running for Foothold FAQ

What type of race can I run for Foothold?

Any race of any distance!

Foothold supporters take part in all sorts of running events throughout the year, including:

Half marathons: these classic 13.1-mile (21.1 km) races are a major achievement and a brilliant goal for those stepping up from shorter distances.
Marathons: the full 26.2-mile (42.2 km) marathon is a true test of endurance and determination.
Ultra events and challenge runs: for those looking for something more, there are a range of challenges for walkers, joggers and runners.
Running weekends and festivals: some events have multiple distances to choose from – a great opportunity to gather a team and raise funds together.

Can I take part in more than one Foothold run?

Absolutely, as long as you feel physically and mentally capable. Many Foothold supporters take on more than one race throughout the year.

It's important to plan sensibly and listen to your body, ensuring plenty of time for rest and recovery. Don't take on more than you can comfortably manage.

The goal is to challenge yourself in a healthy, sustainable way while having fun and helping engineers!

Do I need to pay for my own place in the race?

When will my place be confirmed?

How do I collect my Foothold running top?

Do I need to be an experienced runner to take part?

How much money do I need to raise as a Foothold runner?

Will Foothold support me during my fundraising?

What if I can't reach my fundraising target?

How will Foothold support me on race day?

Can I run with friends or a group?

Ready to run with purpose?

Fill in the form below to apply for a charity place.

Tell us why you want to run for the engineering community, and we'll guide you through the next steps.

(Can't see the form? Click here)

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