We’ve put together everything you need to get ready for your Run for Hearts 2026 challenge.
This September, you’ll be taking on 25, 50 or 100 miles across the month - whatever distance you choose, every stride will help fund lifesaving research at the British Heart Foundation.
Whether you’re just starting out or building up your running, you’ll find plenty of support here to help you prepare, stay motivated and make an impact.
The easiest way to get started is by setting up a JustGiving page. Share it with friends and family so they can donate quickly and easily.
Training tips and advice
Training videos
Suggested training plans
Sharing badges
Distance tracker
Introduction pack
What is Run for Hearts?
This is a virtual fundraising challenge for the BHF. We're challenging you to run 25, 50 or 100 miles in September. It's your challenge, so you can choose when and where you complete your miles! You can track your miles using your phone, smart watch or manually. Please keep your distance tracker updated.
Do I have to do the challenge in September?
We encourage everyone to complete this challenge in September, so that you can be part of our supportive community of runners taking on this incredible event together! However, if you need a few extra weeks to complete your miles, feel free to extend your challenge into November.
Are there any registration fees?
No, this challenge is free to take part in.
How can I track my miles?
You can track your miles in a way that works for you, but for Run for Hearts 2026, we recommend using Strava, our official app for the challenge. You’re responsible for keeping track of your own mileage or kilometres throughout the challenge.
You’ll be able to join the Run for Hearts Strava group, where you can stay connected and motivated alongside other participants.
You can also connect Strava to your JustGiving page so your activities update automatically. To do this, log in to your JustGiving account, open your fundraising page, select the ‘Connect Strava’ button, confirm the Strava permissions and save your fitness settings.
Please make sure you only connect your account once you’re ready to start your challenge, as any activity recorded after connecting may be added to your page.
Once connected, track your chosen activity in Strava and it should update on your JustGiving page automatically.
If you have any issues connecting your account, please check the support guidance on your JustGiving page or contact JustGiving Support for help.
Can I meet other participants?
Of course! You can join our Facebook group and Strava group and be part of our supportive online community.
How do I fundraise?
We would encourage you to set up a JustGiving page to get started with your fundraising. All the donations made to your page will be sent to us automatically. You can also share your progress on social media and in your groups chats for friends and family to see.
We will also send you plenty of fundraising tips and support throughout the challenge to help you raise as much as possible!
Is there a fundraising target?
Yes, the target is £200 to gain a BHF medal.
Can I collect cash donations?
Of course! You can either pay any cash donations onto your fundraising page or you collect donations on a sponsorship form. Once you've finished collecting your donations, you can find full details of how to pay your donations into us here.
Need fundraising support or inspiration?
Get tips, ideas and guidance to help you succeed: Explore BHF fundraising support
Learn how to spread the word and get more support for your fundraiser: Get tips on promoting your fundraiser
Download ready-made materials (posters, social assets and more): Access downloadable fundraising resources
How do I get the free BHF t-shirt?
When you sign up, you can choose whether you would like to receive a free BHF t-shirt from us and select your size.
What are the fundraising rewards?
If you raise £50 we’ll send you bespoke lace tags and at £200 we’ll send you a BHF medal for reaching the fundraising target.
And don’t forget - fundraising rewards include:
Run for Hearts 2026 lace tags
Run for Hearts medal
So get fundraising and take your first strides towards September.
Join our Facebook group to connect with other participants, share your progress and be part of a supportive community
Join our Strava group to track your miles, stay motivated and give each other kudos along the way
Every mile you run and every pound you raise will help fund lifesaving research.
You’ve got this 💙