Chichester Cathedral has been selected as an official charity partner of the Chichester Half Marathon 2026, taking place on Sunday 4 October 2026.
The popular event is expected to attract more than 1,500 runners and will take in some of Chichester's most iconic landmarks, including the Cathedral itself. As one of the event's two official charity beneficiaries, alongside Stonepillow, which supports and empowers people experiencing homelessness, the Cathedral will benefit from fundraising by participants who choose to support its work when registering to run the race.
For more than 950 years, Chichester Cathedral has been a place of worship, welcome and wonder, at the heart of the city and wider region. Today, as an independent registered charity (No. 1205740), it relies on the generosity of supporters, visitors and residents to help sustain its ministry, care for its historic buildings, and serve Chichester's communities.
A limited number of complimentary race places are available for supporters who would like to join 'Team Cathedral' and take on the 13.1-mile challenge. Whether you are an experienced runner aiming for a personal best or preparing for your first half marathon, this is an opportunity to support the Cathedral while being part of one of the city's largest sporting events.
The Dean of Chichester, the Very Rev'd Dr Edward Dowler, said: "We're delighted that Chichester Cathedral has been selected as an official charity partner of the Chichester Half Marathon 2026. The event is a wonderful celebration of community spirit, bringing people together from across the city and beyond. To mark the start of the race, the Cathedral bells will ring out across Chichester, offering a distinctive and memorable send-off for runners as they begin their challenge. We're looking forward to being part of this special day.".
Event organiser, Martin Barden of UK Running Events, said: "Chichester Half Marathon is in its 14th year and set to attract 1500+ local runners. We are delighted to be working with Chichester Cathedral as one of our core charity partners. The Cathedral is an icon and central to Chichester and we are looking forward to the Cathedral ringing the bells to celebrate the start of the event."
The Cathedral is also seeking a small number of volunteers to help steward parts of the route around the city centre and Cathedral precincts on race day.
- Anyone interested finding out more about running for the Cathedral, or stewarding the city centre locations, should email oliver.tubb@chichestercathedral.org.uk with the subject line "Chichester Half Marathon".
- To register for the 2026 Chichester Half Marathon, visit: https://www.ukrunningevents.co.uk/events/trail-runs/chichester-half-marathon-2026. Runners will be able to shortly select ‘Chichester Cathedral’ as their nominated charity on checkout.