Marathon March
On Saturday 3rd October 2026, the Marathon March returns for the tenth time, marking a decade of fans, staff and Palace legends coming together to raise money for young people across South London.
WHAT IS IT?
Since 2016, Palace fans have been taking on the 26.2-mile walk, originally set in central London, now in South London, and have raised over half a million pounds for young South Londoners in the process.
The route for 2026 is yet to be released, but it will be passing through some of the South London neighbourhoods that sit at the heart of our work with the usual regular rest stops, encouragement and, of course, party at the end.
Hundreds of marchers have taken part over the years and together raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for our projects. That support has helped us deliver mentoring, education, employability, disability sport and community programmes that reach over 18,000 young South Londoners every year.
The last decade of Marathon Marches has also seen Palace legends like Mark Bright, Andy Johnson, Fliss Gibbons, Julian Speroni and Chairman Steve Parish join in on the challenge alongside our incredible fundraisers.
Whether you’re seasoned marcher or considering it for the first time, this is a chance to be part of something that has become a regular fixture in the calendars of many Palace fans over the last decade.
Not only that, you’ll also be making a huge difference to the lives of young people in South London.
WHY TAKE PART?
We already run tried and tested programmes to help improve young people’s mental and physical health, advance their employment prospects, and support them with mental health challenges through mentoring. You can find out more about our work, here.
We all love south London, but we know it can be tough growing up here. We know our programmes work, but we need more funds to reach more people.
The money you raise by doing the Marathon March helps us do exactly that.
But remember, this isn’t a race and it’s not competitive – it’s a chance for Palace fans to get together, chat Palace and do something special for the local community.
Still not sure? Hear from Satch & Matthew, lifelong Palace fans on why the Marathon March means so much to them.
THE DETAILS
Once signed up, you will receive a confirmation, alongside a training programme created by Palace fan and personal trainer Beulah Pickles to help prepare for the big day as well as a fundraising guide to help you with your sponsorship.
On the day itself we will provide you with your Marathon March T-Shirt, breakfast, lunch and dinner to keep you fuelled up during the 26.2-mile walk.
And once you cross the finish line, your finishers medal will be waiting for you before completing a lap of the pitch and entering the Palace party!
If you want to fundraise as a family or a group we will ask you to commit to the below pledges:
- Group of four = £600
- Group of five = £750
- Group of six = £900
- Group of 7+ = £1,000
Contact the fundraising team (fundraising@palaceforlife.org) if you want to fundraise as a group or if you have any questions.
Can’t make it to Selhurst Park?
No problem! The Marathon March can be completed remotely, giving you the freedom to take part from anywhere in the world.
Walk your own route, through city streets, local parks, or countryside trails, and bring the Palace spirit to your corner of the world.
All remote Marathon Marchers will receive an official t-shirt and finisher’s medal to celebrate their achievement.
Please contact the fundraising team (fundraising@palaceforlife.org) if you would like to March for us remotely next year.
Check out the highlights from the record-breaking 2025 Marathon March below!