Run, walk, cycle or swim for heart disease
Heart disease affects millions of people in the UK — from coronary heart disease and cardiomyopathy to high cholesterol and heart failure. The charities below fund pioneering research, provide specialist support and campaign for better heart health across the country. Find your event and sign up today. Read more
Start by deciding how you want to take on the challenge. Runners will find half marathons, marathons and road races below — including places at some of the UK's biggest events. The cycling section has rides for all abilities. The walking and swimming sections have options too.
Not sure which charity to support? Browse the listings at the top of the page. Heart charities range from the British Heart Foundation — one of the UK's best-known names in medical research — to specialist organisations focused on specific conditions like cardiomyopathy and high cholesterol. Most people choose a heart charity because of a personal connection — a family member, a friend, or a condition that's touched their own life.
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 heart disease charities
Heart charities to run, walk, cycle or swim for.
- Heart
The UK's only charity for people affected by cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle disease.
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- Heart
The UK's only cholesterol charity. Preventing heart attacks, strokes and sudden cardiac death.
- Heart
The UK's largest independent funder of heart and circulatory research.
Run for heart disease
Your first step. From 10Ks to marathons, every entry raises vital funds for heart research and the specialist support that patients and families depend on.
- Sun 4 Oct
- £60 + £350 fundraising
Manchester Half Marathon
HEART UK
Take on the streets of Manchester. Run every mile to help protect hearts across the UK. From the heart of Manchester to hearts across the nation. Every step helps fight heart disease.
- Half marathon
- Sun 11 Oct
- £75 + £500 fundraising
Bournemouth Half Marathon
HEART UK
Run by the sea and make every sunny step count — helping fight high cholesterol and protect hearts across the UK.
- 13.1 miles road running + 101 m ascent
- Sun 18 Oct
- £35 + £350 fundraising
Altra Yorkshire Marathon
HEART UK
Conquer 26.2 miles in beautiful York and help create a healthier future for more families.
- 26.2 miles road running + 481 ft ascent
- Sun 15 Nov
- £40 + £350 fundraising
Run Alton Towers | Half Marathon
HEART UK
Take on the thrills of Alton Towers and run for healthier hearts — every mile helps fight high cholesterol and save lives across the UK.
- 13.1 miles road running
- Sun 14 Mar 2027
- £15 + £350 fundraising
Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon
Cardiomyopathy UK
Run through the grounds of a 500-year-old royal palace, along the Thames and into Home Park in this half marathon featuring one of the UK's major tourist attractions.
- Half marathon
- Sun 14 Mar 2027
- £39 + £300 fundraising
Run South London
HEART UK
Get ready London, something big is coming! Whether it’s your first race or you're chasing a new PB, you can expect an electric atmosphere and a truly inspiring course.
- Half marathon
- Sun 14 Mar 2027
- £45 + £300 fundraising
Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon
HEART UK
Run through the royal grounds and make every mile count — help fight high cholesterol and protect against heart attacks, strokes, and vascular dementia.
- Half marathon
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- Sun 14 Mar 2027
- £35 + £300 fundraising
GetPRO Bath Half
HEART UK
Take on the iconic Bath Half Marathon with Team HEART UK and run through the beautiful streets of Bath while raising awareness of high cholesterol and helping save lives.
- Half marathon
- Thu 1 - Fri 30 Apr 2027
- £35 + £850 fundraising
Schneider Electric Paris Marathon
Cardiomyopathy UK
2027 date TBC. One of the largest marathons on the planet over a flat course in one of the world's most iconic cities, the Paris Marathon boasts an incomparable backdrop.
- Marathon
- Sun 4 Apr 2027
- £39 + £350 fundraising
London Landmarks Half Marathon
HEART UK
Run London’s most iconic half marathon and make every mile matter for heart health with Team HEART UK. Together, we can help save lives from high cholesterol.
- Half marathon
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- Sun 4 Apr 2027
- £30 + £500 fundraising
Brighton Marathon
HEART UK
Run the coast. Protect hearts. Every mile helps fight high cholesterol across the UK.
- 26.3 miles road running + 477 ft ascent
- Sun 18 Apr 2027
- £50 + £499.99 fundraising
adidas Manchester Marathon
HEART UK
Take on the iconic Manchester Marathon for HEART UK and turn every mile into life-changing support — helping raise awareness of high cholesterol and preventing heart disease and strokes.
- Marathon
- Sun 16 May 2027
- £15 + £350 fundraising
HOKA Hackney Moves | HOKA Hackney Half
Cardiomyopathy UK
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
- £35 + £350 fundraising
HOKA Hackney Moves | HOKA Hackney Half
HEART UK
Run the Hackney Half Marathon with Team HEART UK — big energy, brilliant crowds and every mile helping raise awareness of high cholesterol and support life-saving heart health work.
- 13.1 miles road running
Cycle for heart disease
From sportives to charity rides, cycling is one of the most effective ways to fundraise for heart charities. Hop on, set a target and show your supporters what you're made of.
- Sun 20 Jun 2027
- £40-£55
London to Brighton Bike Ride
50th Anniversary! Europe's oldest charity bike ride is back and you can be part of it! Ride from capital to coast covering 54 miles through rolling countryside to Brighton Beach.
- 54 miles road cycling
Walk for heart disease
Not every fundraising journey starts at a race line. Treks, hikes and long-distance walks are among the most inclusive and sociable ways to raise money for heart charities.
- Thu 1 - Sat 31 Oct
- FREE
Swap the Scroll for a Stroll
Cholesterol matters – every swap counts. Swap the Scroll for a Stroll this October and walk 50, 100 or 150 miles throughout the month for your own health in support of HEART UK.
- Challenge walk 3
- Thu 1 - Sat 31 Oct
- FREE
Swap the Scroll for a Stroll | 50 Miles
Cholesterol matters – every swap counts. Swap the Scroll for a Stroll this October and walk 50 miles throughout the month for your own health in support of HEART UK.
- 1 month walking
- Thu 1 - Sat 31 Oct
- FREE
Swap the Scroll for a Stroll | 100 Miles
Cholesterol matters – every swap counts. Swap the Scroll for a Stroll this October and walk 100 miles throughout the month for your own health in support of HEART UK.
- 1 month walking
- Thu 1 - Sat 31 Oct
- FREE
Swap the Scroll for a Stroll | 150 Miles
Cholesterol matters – every swap counts. Swap the Scroll for a Stroll this October and walk 150 miles throughout the month for your own health in support of HEART UK.
- 1 month walking
- Mon 1 - Sun 28 Feb 2027
- FREE
Walk for Hearts
Take on a walking challenge this February and keep us beating. Walk for Hearts is for everyone and you can take part anywhere!
- 1 month walking
Swim for heart disease
Open water, lake or sea swim — every stroke you take raises vital funds for heart research and the support services that patients and families depend on.
Challenges
Heart charities offer some of the most varied fundraising challenges on the site. Go on. Do something you'll never forget.
Heart charities FAQs
Frequently asked questions about heart disease fundraising.