A record 5,000 runners are set to take to the streets of Leicester on Sunday 11th October for the Run Leicester Half Marathon and 10K, making 2026 the biggest event in its history and helping to raise vital funds for LOROS Hospice.
It follows a record breaking 2025, when 4,600 runners took part in the event. In 2023 that figure stood at 2,800, underlining the remarkable growth of the event and Leicester’s running community.
Among the 5,000 runners taking part this year will be the Matron of LOROS’s inpatient ward, Michelle Clark, together with several of her nursing team.
Inspired by other LOROS nurses who have previously taken part in Run Leicester, Michelle has gone from running 5K at parkrun to training for her first Half Marathon.
Michelle said: “I see first-hand the impact limited funding has on patient care. I see the waiting lists. I see the beds we can’t open because we don’t have the funding or staffing. It’s heartbreaking to know there are people who need us, but we don’t always have the capacity to help everyone. I keep reminding myself why I’m doing it. I can’t think of anything more worthwhile to support.”
Run Leicester is organised on a not for profit basis, with proceeds from the event supporting LOROS Hospice and helping the charity provide care for patients and families across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Camilla Barrow, CEO at LOROS Hospice, said: “It’s incredible to see just how much Run Leicester has grown. There’s something very special about thousands of people coming together in the heart of our city – and knowing that their participation is helping local patients and families makes the day even more meaningful. We’re hugely grateful to every runner, volunteer and supporter who makes Run Leicester possible.”
Organisers are also encouraging the families and friends of runners – and anyone who wants to enjoy the atmosphere – to come down to Victoria Park and make a day of it. Alongside cheering on the runners, there will be a bouncy castle and face painting for children, a range of food and drink options and live entertainment.
The Run Leicester Festival starts from Victoria Park at 9.15am on Sunday 11th October, with both the Half Marathon and 10K taking runners through the streets of Leicester.
A limited number of places remain, with organisers expecting the event to sell out ahead of race day. For more information visit runleicester.co.uk
