The National Autistic Society has been named as the official charity partner of 2027’s London Marathon.

London Marathon organisers say the charity has been chosen as it looks to make next year’s marathon “the world’s most inclusive mass participation event”.

Through a ‘It’s Time to Show Up’ London Marathon campaign the charity aims to increase public understanding of autism such as by allowing autistic people more processing time. Encouraging people to support autistic colleagues in the workplace is another focus.

Money raised for the charity will fund an advice hub and online community app, which has been designed by users of its support services.

“The 700,000 autistic people and their families across the UK currently face a constant fight for support, amid a chronic lack of public understanding and a concerning rise in misinformation about autism,” said National Autistic Society chief executive Caroline Stevens.

“Being named as the TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year will not only help us raise vital funds through this iconic event, but also means that we can help everyone to understand the simple, meaningful ways that they can show up for autistic people, which can have a huge impact on their daily lives.”

England women’s footballer Lucy Bronze, who is an ambassador for the charity, said the partnership is “a chance for us all to help create a society where all autistic people are valued, understood, and included”.

London Marathon Events chief executive Hugh Brasher added: “We’re delighted to welcome the National Autistic Society as the 2027 TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year. The Charity of the Year partnership gives the National Autistic Society a powerful platform to improve public understanding of autism and to raise vital funds that will support autistic people across the UK for years to come.”

The charity partner for this year’s event, which took place earlier this month, was Marie Curie.

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