Right now, our 2026 Manchester Half Marathon participants are getting ready to take to the streets of Manchester to raise vital funds for research into preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. But our participants couldn’t cross the finish line without the passion and energy of an amazing team of volunteers like you. Join the 2026 Manchester Half Marathon Volunteer Team and let's beat cancer together.
We have various volunteering roles on offer at this event. Let us know in the ‘Comments’ section of your application if you’d prefer a particular role, or our Events team can place you wherever you’re needed most on the day. We’ll provide a full briefing when you arrive, so you feel confident and excited to get stuck in. No matter what role you do, you’ll know you’re making a huge difference to those taking part. You could be:
Cheering on participants around the course
Helping to support our participants with any questions or issues
Giving out refreshments
Collecting cash donations
We’re on the lookout for individuals and groups who are:
Engaging, friendly and keen to make sure everyone has a brilliant day.
Flexible and willing to get stuck in and help.
Team players - you’ll be joining a lovely bunch of other volunteers!
But mainly those who can bring their energy, smiles and passion to help us beat cancer together!
Please note:
Any volunteers under the age of 18 will need permission from a parent or legal guardian and will need to be accompanied by this responsible adult at the event.
You must be living in the UK in order to volunteer at an event.
We ask all applicants to disclose to us, in confidence, any unspent criminal convictions.
Events run throughout the summer and autumn, all over the UK.
You can join us at one or more events, at locations that work for you.
You can choose a time that suits you! You could volunteer for a half day, a full day or a shift of a few hours, like an early set up option from 6 – 9am.
We want you to have the best experience at our events and ensure you get the most out of your volunteering experience. We will:
Be in contact in the lead up to the day so you know what to expect, what to bring and to answer any questions you might have
Give you a full briefing on arrival
Support and guide you throughout the day
Provide clappers, cheering sticks, whistles and loud hailers to make you stand out from the crowd, and create an energetic atmosphere
Provide meals and snacks as appropriate
Cover your travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, as agreed with your Event Manager
As well as beating cancer, volunteering with us has a host of benefits for you too, including:
Gaining skills and experience in the events and charity sector.
Meeting like-minded people and having fun!
Making a difference in your community and helping drive progress for people affected by cancer.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. And so far, we’ve made incredible progress – in the last 50 years, we’ve helped to double cancer survival in the UK. To make these advances possible, we rely on our community of brilliant volunteers, who give their time to help fund research that saves lives.
By volunteering, you’re helping to bring us closer to a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
At Cancer Research UK we know that having a diverse volunteer community will help us to beat cancer. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We will happily consider making any reasonable adjustments to support volunteer applications from people with a disability or health condition.
Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned veteran, we’d love for you to join us!
If you have any questions about becoming a volunteer, please email [email protected]. Or, you may find the answer listed in our FAQs.
