Run, walk, cycle or swim for animals
The charities below rescue, rehome and care for animals across the UK — from abandoned pets and injured wildlife to working animals in need. Every pound you raise funds the people and services that are there when animals can't speak for themselves. Whether you're running for a cause close to your heart or simply looking for your next challenge, find your event and sign up today. Read more
Start by deciding how you want to take on the challenge. Runners will find 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, marathons and ultras below. Prefer two wheels? The cycling section has sportives and multi-day rides. Rather walk? The walking section covers everything from 10-mile treks to multi-day hikes.
Not sure which charity to support? Browse the charity listings at the top of the page. You'll find some of the UK's best-known animal charities — including Cats Protection, Dogs Trust and PDSA — alongside smaller regional organisations. Most people choose an animal charity because of a personal connection — a beloved pet, a local rescue centre, or a cause that's always mattered to them.
Once you've found an event, check whether it's a charity place or an open entry. Charity places give you a guaranteed spot at popular events in return for a registration fee and a minimum fundraising target. Open events let you choose your own charity and set your own target.
The most important thing? Pick something that means something to you. The personal story is what turns a sign-up into serious fundraising.
Browse animal charities
Animal charities to run, walk, cycle or swim for.
- Animals
A science-driven conservation charity working to restore wildlife in the UK and around the world.
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- Animals
For a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
- Animals
All animals deserve to be treated with kindness, respect and compassion.
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Run 5K for animals
Your first step. A 5K is one of the most accessible ways to start raising money for an animal charity — and every pound funds the rescue, care and rehoming that animals depend on.
- Sun 20 Sept
- £35
Run Wild at London Zoo | 5km
Run 5K through London Zoo before it opens to the public, earn your medal and enjoy a full day exploring the Zoo for free! Every step you take helps protect endangered wildlife.
- 5 km road running
- Sat 10 Oct
- £15 + £100 fundraising
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Bournemouth Supernova 5K
Cats Protection
A magical dusk 5K along Bournemouth’s seafront — walk, jog or run beneath the glow of the setting sun and the sparkle of the pier lights.
- 5 km road running
- Sat 29 May 2027
- £15 + £100 fundraising
Edinburgh 5K
Cats Protection
The 5K is one of the first events of the exciting running festival weekend and offers a picturesque route around Holyrood Park with stunning panoramic views of the city and Edinburgh Castle.
- 5 km road running + 116 m ascent
Run 10K for animals
Ten kilometres. Enough to make a real difference. Animal charities depend on fundraisers like you — every 10K entry helps fund veterinary care, rescue operations and rehoming for animals across the UK.
- Sun 16 Aug
- £15 + £100 fundraising
Scottish 10K
Cats Protection
A seriously flat and rapid course with downhill sections along the coast to finish in the final furlong of Scotland's oldest racecourse with a grandstand finish. Come and be a part of it!
- 10K run
- Sun 13 Sept
- £11.25 + £150 fundraising
The Henley 10K
Cats Protection
A fabulous 10km loop through Remenham countryside with a start and finish near Henley Bridge on Sunday morning. Take it on as a walk, jog or run and get your family and friends involved!
- 10 km trail running
- Sat 26 Sept
- £11.25 + £150 fundraising
The Chiltern 10K
Cats Protection
A beautiful 10km loop from the basecamp at Henley Showground exploring public footpaths and wonderful woodlands within the Culden Faw estate to be rewarded with a medal and glass of fizz!
- 10 km trail running + 235 m ascent
- Sun 11 Oct
- £20 + £150 fundraising
Bournemouth Supersonic 10K
Cats Protection
A flat, fast and scenic 10K along Bournemouth’s stunning coastline — race between two iconic piers and soak up the festival atmosphere from start to finish.
- 10 km road running + 19 m ascent
- Sat 29 May 2027
- £20 + £150 fundraising
Edinburgh 10K
Cats Protection
This event kicks off the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend in style, in the stunning surroundings of Holyrood Park on a route with striking panoramic views of the city and Edinburgh Castle.
- 10 km road running + 155 m ascent
Run a half marathon for animals
13.1 miles for the animals who need it most. Whether you're running in memory of a beloved pet or simply for a cause you believe in, a half marathon is one of the most powerful ways to fundraise.
- Sun 16 Aug
- £25 + £200 fundraising
Scottish Half Marathon
Cats Protection
A seriously flat and rapid point-to-point course with a downhill profile along the coast to finish in the final furlong of Scotland's oldest racecourse plus grandstand finish. Come and be part of it!
- Half marathon
- Sun 11 Oct
- £25 + £350 fundraising
Royal Parks Half Marathon
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
Run through four of London’s most beautiful Royal Parks, past iconic landmarks and tree-lined avenues, on a stunning autumn route that combines city energy with natural splendour.
- Half marathon
- Sun 11 Oct
- £30 + £250 fundraising
Bournemouth Half Marathon
Cats Protection
Sun, sea and 13.1 miles of stunning coastline — a spectacular half marathon taking you across both Bournemouth piers, as the headline event of the Run Bournemouth running festival!
- 13.1 miles road running + 101 m ascent
- Sun 28 Feb 2027
- £25 + £230 fundraising
ALTRA Brighton Half Marathon
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
Join the UK's Happiest Half - a fast, flat race with a buzzing Brighton atmosphere. An early season major half and one of the most popular races in the UK!
- 13.1 miles road running
- Sun 14 Mar 2027
- £25 + £250 fundraising
GetPRO Bath Half
PDSA
Run through traffic-free streets in the heart of Bath and experience the electric atmosphere on the course through the UK's only World Heritage City!
- Half marathon
- Sun 4 Apr 2027
- £40 + £400 fundraising
London Landmarks Half Marathon
Cats Protection
A spirited Central London run with live music, upbeat DJs, street-dancers and inspiring themes on a landmark-packed route with closed roads.
- Half marathon
- Sun 16 May 2027
- £25 + £300 fundraising
HOKA Hackney Moves | HOKA Hackney Half
Cats Protection
Dash through 13.1 miles of East London, with vibrant street art, live music, and unbeatable crowd support cheering you on every step of the way. Think handmade banners, high fives, and fun!
- 13.1 miles road running
- Sun 16 May 2027
- £30 + £300 fundraising
HOKA Hackney Moves | HOKA Hackney Half
PDSA
Dash through 13.1 miles of East London, with vibrant street art, live music, and unbeatable crowd support cheering you on every step of the way. Think handmade banners, high fives, and fun!
- 13.1 miles road running
- Sun 30 May 2027
- £30 + £300 fundraising
Edinburgh Half Marathon
Cats Protection
Just before the Marathon, the Half follows the same fast and flat route from the iconic castle and city sights to the coast for an explosive finish and offers genuine PB potential.
- 13.1 miles road running + 76 m ascent
Run a marathon for animals
26.2 miles. One of the most iconic fundraising commitments you can make. Many of our runners are running in memory of a pet, or for a rescue charity that's meant something to their family. This one's for them.
- Sun 18 Oct
- £25 + £300 fundraising
Altra Yorkshire Marathon
Cats Protection
Your marathon. Your moment. Back and bigger than ever! With epic crowd support, runners will explore the historic streets and beautiful countryside. Be part of this incredible festival!
- 26.2 miles road running + 481 ft ascent
- Sun 4 Apr 2027
- £35 + £350 fundraising
Brighton Marathon
Cats Protection
Come and experience the UK's third largest marathon, boasting a new and beautiful seaside course with superb local support, making it a truly sensational day of running!
- 26.3 miles road running + 477 ft ascent
- Sun 4 Apr 2027
- £25 + £400 fundraising
Brighton Marathon
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
Come and experience the UK's third largest marathon, boasting a new and beautiful seaside course with superb local support, making it a truly sensational day of running!
- 26.3 miles road running + 477 ft ascent
- Sun 4 Apr 2027
- £35 + £350 fundraising
Brighton Marathon
PDSA
Come and experience the UK's third largest marathon, boasting a new and beautiful seaside course with superb local support, making it a truly sensational day of running!
- 26.3 miles road running + 477 ft ascent
- Sun 18 Apr 2027
- £35 + £350 fundraising
adidas Manchester Marathon
Cats Protection
Take on the 2027 adidas Manchester Marathon and experience the fun, party atmosphere as you run. Join Team Cats now and make a help make a better life for cats!
- Marathon
- Sun 18 Apr 2027
- £50 + £500 fundraising
adidas Manchester Marathon
PDSA
Experience the UK’s friendliest and flattest major marathon with huge crowd support on a route with PB potential plus chunky medals and relay options.
- Marathon
- Sun 30 May 2027
- £40 + £400 fundraising
Edinburgh Marathon
Cats Protection
Fast, flat and beautifully scenic with Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop, this marathon route takes you along the coastline and sells out every year so go for it and enter!
- 26.2 miles road running + 165 m ascent
Run an ultra for animals
If a marathon isn't enough, go further. Ultra runners raise some of the highest fundraising totals on the site — because when you push beyond your limits, supporters take notice.
- Sat 1 Aug
- £30 + £375 fundraising
North Downs 50 Ultra Challenge | 50km
Cats Protection
Join a summer North Downs 50 Challenge! This looped route is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty of the Surrey Hills, taking in chalk ridges and ancient woodlands.
- 50 km trail running + 830 m ascent
- Sat 5 - Sun 6 Sept
- £37.50 + £575 fundraising
South Coast Ultra Challenge | Full Continuous 100K
Cats Protection
The full distance option of the South Coast Challenge from sunny Eastbourne, over the magnificent Seven Sisters, onto Cuckmere Haven and over the South Downs all the way to historic Arundel.
- 100 km trail running + 2100 m ascent
- Sat 5 Sept
- £30 + £375 fundraising
South Coast Ultra Challenge | 1st Half Challenge 57K
Cats Protection
The first half option of the South Coast Challenge from Eastbourne to the coastline, over the Seven Sisters to Cuckemere Haven, over the South Downs to finish via Brighton's promenade.
- 57 km trail running + 1250 m ascent
- Sat 5 - Sun 6 Sept
- £37.50 + £575 fundraising
South Coast Ultra Challenge | Full 2 Day Daylight 100K
Cats Protection
The full distance option of the South Coast Challenge over 2 days with 57km on day 1 and 43km on day 2, meaning you experience the route in daylight with the chance to sleep overnight.
- 100 km trail running + 2100 m ascent
- Sat 5 - Sun 6 Sept
- £30 + £375 fundraising
South Coast Ultra Challenge | 2nd Half Challenge 43K
Cats Protection
The second half option of the South Coast Ultra Challenge is a scenic ‘marathon plus’ adventure across the South Downs towards Arundel with wonderful coastal views and a celebratory finish!
- 43 km trail running + 850 m ascent
- Sat 12 - Sun 13 Sept
- £37.50 + £575 fundraising
Thames Path Ultra Challenge | Full 100K Continuous
Cats Protection
The full, non-stop option of the epic Thames Path Challenge from leafy South West London following the river to Hampton Court, Runnymede to finish at Henley-on-Thames for a celebratory finish and BBQ!
- 100 km trail running + 350 m ascent
- Sat 12 Sept
- £30 + £375 fundraising
Thames Path Ultra Challenge | 1st Half Challenge 50K
Cats Protection
The first half option of the Thames Path Challenge from leafy South West London on the River Thames along the river to Hampton Court to finish at Runnymede for a big celebration finish and hot meal!
- 50 km trail running + 200 m ascent
- Sat 12 - Sun 13 Sept
- £37.50 + £575 fundraising
Thames Path Ultra Challenge | Full 2 Day Daylight 100K
Cats Protection
An epic challenge from leafy South West London on the River Thames featuring Hampton Court, Runnymede of Magna Carta Fame, Henley-on-Thames and a fabulous celebration finish - all in daylight.
- 100 km trail running + 350 m ascent
- Sat 12 Sept
- £33.75 + £475 fundraising
Thames Path Ultra Challenge | 3/4 Challenge 72K
Cats Protection
Start this epic 3/4 distance of the Thames Path Challenge near Hampton Court and follow the meandering waterway to Runnymede for a big celebration finish and hot meal at Henley on Thames.
- 72 km trail running + 60 m ascent
- Sat 12 - Sun 13 Sept
- £30 + £375 fundraising
Thames Path Ultra Challenge | 2nd Half Challenge 50K
Cats Protection
The second half option of the Thames Path Challenge from Runnymede along the meandering river through Cookham to Henley-on-Thames, home of the regatta, to a celebration finish and family BBQ!
- 50 km trail running + 150 m ascent
- Sat 26 Sept
- £30 + £375 fundraising
Chiltern 50 Ultra Challenge | Full 50km Challenge
Cats Protection
The full 50K route of the Chiltern 50 Ultra Challenge starts from basecamp in Henley on a loop via Greys Court, the Ridgeway, Shakespeare's Way, The Chilterns and Hambleden Village to a party finish!
- 50 km trail running + 920 m ascent
Cycle for animals
From sportives to multi-day rides, cycling is one of the most effective ways to fundraise for animal charities. Hop on, set a target and show your supporters what you're made of.
Walk for animals
Not every fundraising journey starts at a race line. Treks, hikes and long-distance walks are among the most inclusive — and most sociable — ways to raise money for animals.
- Sun 16 Aug
- £20 + FREE fundraising
The Kiltwalk Dundee | Mighty Stride
Cats Protection
Stride along Dundee’s streets and coastline in a powerful show of kindness, raising vital funds for the charity you love while enjoying an unforgettable day of tartan-fuelled community spirit.
- 20 miles walking + 457 ft ascent
- Sat 22 Aug
- £30 + £375 fundraising
London Summer Walk | Marathon
Cats Protection
Get your walking shoes on and explore some of the capital’s less-known historic areas and along the Thames’s eastern section to finish with a big cheer, medal, glass of fizz, t-shirt and BBQ!
- 42 km walking
- Sat 22 Aug
- £22.50 + £275 fundraising
London Summer Walk | 25km
Cats Protection
Get your walking shoes on and explore some of the capital’s less-known historic areas and along the Thames’s eastern section to finish with a big cheer, glass of fizz, t-shirt and BBQ meal!
- 25 km walking
- Sat 22 Aug
- £15 + £150 fundraising
London Summer Walk | 10km
Cats Protection
Get your walking shoes on and explore some of the capital’s River Thames to the Thames Barrier, through Maryon Wilson Animal Park and Charlton Park to finish a big cheer, medal, fizz and a t-shirt!
- 10 km walking
- Fri 11 Sept
- £15 + £150 fundraising
Thames Moonlight 10 Mile
Cats Protection
Kicking off the famous Thames Path Challenge weekend, experience London in a different light, passing famous landmarks including St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, the London Eye and more!
- 10 miles walking
- Fri 11 Sept
- £15 + £150 fundraising
Thames Moonlight 10km
Cats Protection
Kicking off the famous Thames Path Challenge weekend, experience London in a different light, passing famous landmarks including St Paul’s, Westminster Abbey, Somerset House and more!
- 10 km walking
- Sat 12 Sept
- £22.50 + £275 fundraising
Thames Bridges Trek 25km
Cats Protection
Join 3,000 walkers and trek 25km across the capital with unrivalled views of the skyline and landmarks as you zig-zag over 16 historic bridges to a party-style finish line celebration!
- 25 km walking
- Sat 12 Sept
- £15 + £150 fundraising
Thames Bridges Trek 10km
Cats Protection
From the Oval Cricket Ground, 100s of walkers will cross many of the capital's historic bridges for some of the best vantage points over the London skyline and famous landmarks, with a celebration!
- 10 km walking
- Sun 13 Sept
- £20 + FREE fundraising
The Kiltwalk Edinburgh | Mighty Stride
Cats Protection
Step out in tartan and take on Scotland’s biggest Kiltwalk, powering through Edinburgh’s iconic streets and scenery while raising life-changing funds for the charity that matters most to you.
- 21 miles walking + 566 ft ascent
- Sun 13 Sept
- £20 + FREE fundraising
The Kiltwalk Edinburgh | Big Stroll
Cats Protection
Step out in tartan and take on Scotland’s biggest Kiltwalk, powering through Edinburgh’s iconic streets and scenery while raising life-changing funds for the charity that matters most to you.
- 11.2 miles walking + 341 ft ascent
Swim for animals
Open water, lake or sea swim — every stroke you take raises vital funds for the rescue, rehoming and care of animals across the UK.
Challenges
Animal charities offer some of the boldest fundraising experiences on the site. Go on. Do something you'll never forget.
Animal charity FAQs
Frequently asked questions about animal charity fundraising.