Farmers offered chance to run London Marathon for IfA

Farmers and others with links to agriculture are being invited to apply for a charity place in the 2027 London Marathon with Innovation for Agriculture (IfA).

Applicants must be aged 18 or over on marathon day, Sunday 25 April 2027, and should demonstrate a connection to agriculture, commitment to training and fundraising, and enthusiasm for IfA’s work.

Successful applicants will be required to raise at least £1,500 for the charity, supporting its work to bring farmers, researchers and industry together and help UK agriculture adapt to climate and geopolitical pressures.

See also: Farmers and rural runners shine at London Marathon

Applications opened on Tuesday 28 July and there is no fixed closing date, but the charity expects strong interest and is urging people to apply early.

The opportunity offers members of the farming community another route into the marathon, with the 2027 public ballot recording just a 7.5% success rate.

‘Unique opportunity’

Arran Redman, head of ideation and partnerships at IfA, said: “We’re delighted to offer a small number of charity places for the 2027 London Marathon and would love to hear from people with a genuine connection to farming or the wider agricultural industry who are ready to take on this incredible challenge.

“Every pound raised will help Innovation for Agriculture bring farmers, researchers and industry together to turn the latest research into practical solutions that improve farm resilience, productivity and sustainability.

“It’s a unique opportunity to achieve something extraordinary personally while helping to shape the future of British farming.”

Mr Redman, who ran the marathon last year, will mentor the 2027 runners, providing support with training and fundraising.

Apply to run the London Marathon for Innovation for Agriculture at www.i4agri.org.