You don’t need to reinvent yourself in 2026 to make a difference. Whether you’re looking to climb a mountain (or three), take on a trail run or simply dress in the worst pair of trousers you own, we’d love to have you on board... Just as you are. All you need to do is be willing to give it a whirl for #TeamGrandAppeal and #TeamCotsforTots. So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at our latest events guide and find out what 2026 has in store for you.
Dates for Your Diary
Bath Half Marathon – Sunday 15 March 2026
There’s no better way to kick off the year than signing up for Bath Half. Set in one of Somerset’s most stunning cities, this half marathon is one of the UK’s leading road races. Despite Bath’s beautiful hills, this iconic race is fast and flat, making it the ideal choice for starter and seasoned runners.
TCS London Marathon – Sunday 26 April 2026
Were you lucky enough to land a spot in the TCS London Marathon 2026? Use your spot to run for sick children across the South West. Join over 50,000 runners as you plod, jog or zoom past some of London’s most iconic sites, including Tower Bridge, the London Eye and Big Ben. Remember, getting a place is the hard bit, choosing to run for Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit couldn’t be easier.
Junior and Mini Great Bristol Run - Saturday 9 May 2026
Back for its second year after a roaring success, it’s the AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Bristol Run! Little ones aged between three and eight can tackle a 1.5km dash, while children ages nine to fifteen are invited to take part in the 2.5km junior run. The route begins and ends at College Green. You can expect an electric atmosphere, epic photo opportunities and even a cheer squad featuring Wallace & Gromit themselves.
Great Bristol Half Marathon – Sunday 10 May 2026
Great Bristol 10km – Sunday 10 May 2026
What better way to support Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit than by celebrating the city it serves? Join us on Sunday 10 May for the Great Bristol 10k and Half Marathon. This race day has a buzz like no other. Take on a challenge and run past Bristol's beautiful harbourside, old city and even some Banksys. Plus, supporting a local cause means that you'll have our cheer squad supporting you every step of the way.
Wallace & Gromit’s Wrong Trousers Day – Friday 19 June 2026
The day where dressing wrong couldn't feel more right, Wallace & Gromit's Wrong Trousers Day, returns on Friday 19 June. The premise is simple: donate to wear your most disastrous pair of trousers to school, work or around town. Once you're signed up, you'll also receive a host of FREE fundraising materials. Busy that day? Fear not! You can arrange your own Wrong Trousers Day whenever suits you.
Race to the King - Saturday 20 June 2026
Brand new to The Grand Appeal for 2026, take part in Race to the King! This ultramarathon is set in the heart of South Downs, Hampshire. Pick from 30, 50, 80 and 100km distances with the choice between the coastal or castle route. You'll be supported every step of the way, with training plans tailored to all abilities, snack stops, hot showers and meals, qualified medics and more. If you've already mastered a marathon, what are you waiting for? Your crowning achievement awaits.
Race to the Stones - Saturday 12 July 2026
Follow in the footsteps of Romans, Vikings and mythical warriors as you take on an ultramarathon for Bristol Children’s Hospital. Pick between 50km per day, or 100km in one go. Whichever challenge you choose, you’ll finish at the breathtaking ancient stone circle at Avebury, Wiltshire. Once again, you'll be supported every step of the way, with training plans tailored to all abilities, snack stops, hot showers and meals, qualified medics and more.
Three Peaks Challenge - Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September 2026
Why climb a mountain in 2026 when you could climb three? Take on the iconic three peaks challenge in just 24 hours. You’ll climb around 22 miles in just three days as you soak up the rugged sights of Glen Nevis Valley, Snowdonia’s forests, and tackle Scafell Pike under a star-lit sky. Lace up your walking boots and get ready to support sick children across the South West in September 2026.
Grand Walk - Sunday 13 September 2026
Grand Walk is BACK for the third year running... or should we say, walking? Join us for a day of family fun and take on a 1.5 or 5km walk around the stunning grounds of Ashton Court Estate. Suitable for all ages (and well-behaved four-legged friends!), you'll finish up your day with some cracking entertainment and mouthwatering food options.
Cardiff Half - Sunday 4 October 2026
This iconic event, known as the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon, is one of Europe’s largest half marathons. Its scenic route includes some of Wales’ most iconic landmarks, such as Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, Civic Centre, and Cardiff Bay. Whether you’re a seasoned running enthusiast or someone seeking the thrill of their first half marathon, this flat and fast course caters to runners of all levels.
Shine Bright for Bristol Children's Hospital - December 2026
Step into Christmas by joining the 'Shine Bright for Bristol Children's Hospital' community! Join supporters across Bristol and the South West in decorating your homes with all things festive. Whether it's a thousand fairy lights or simply some snowflakes stuck in your window, we'd love to have you on board. Help make Christmas 2026 a magical one for sick children.
Events to Organise Yourself
Gromit's Grand Read
Break out the bookmarks for another year of Gromit’s Grand Read! The idea is simple: read as much as possible and raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital. Work together in teams, classes or year groups and fundraise at school or in your office. You can also embark on an epic solo reading adventure. Reading more for a cracking cause? It’s a win-win.
Wallace & Gromit's BIG Bake
Fancy taking part in our tastiest fundraising challenge? Whether you're a star baker or a total beginner, stir up some fun as you bake tasty snacks and treats. Rise to the challenge and host a bake sale for friends, family or colleagues, wherever and whenever suits you. Raise some dough for sick kids across the South West when you sign up for Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake.
Stream for Sick Kids
Screen time never looked better than it does when you Stream for Sick Kids! From Q&As to showing off your setup, there are plenty of ways to engage your audience while streaming for sick kids. Once you choose your challenge and register your stream, we’ll send you everything you need to get started. Stream what you want, when you want, all for a cracking cause.
Wallace & Gromit's BIG Christmas Dress Up - December 2026
It’s time to get santa-suited and booted, once again, for Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Christmas Dress Up. Simply pick a day that suits you to wear your best festive outfits for a small donation. Get teachers dressed in tinsel, bosses decked out in baubles and your office or classroom looking worthy of Santa himself.
Get these dates in your diary and start making memories as you raise money for Bristol Children’s Hospital and St Michael’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Need help choosing an event or arranging your own? Drop our friendly events team a message – We're here to help! Email events@grandappeal.org.uk or call 01179 273888.