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Running and Challenge Events FAQs
Here are answers to some of the questions we're asked most often. We hope they'll help you feel confident and prepared for your challenge.
Why do charity places have fundraising targets?
To secure guaranteed charity places in popular events, Terrence Higgins Trust pays entry fees and, in some cases, contributes towards the overall cost of participating in the event.
To ensure we can continue funding our vital services and make the greatest possible impact, we ask participants to commit to a minimum fundraising target. Like many charities, we set sponsorship targets based on the cost of each event place and the fundraising potential of the event.
Every pound you raise helps support people living with and affected by HIV while bringing us closer to ending new HIV cases in the UK by 2030.
Please note that any fundraising above your target cannot be carried forward to another event.
What happens if I can't reach the minimum fundraising target for my chosen event?
We understand that fundraising can sometimes feel challenging, especially if it's your first time. That's why our fundraising team is here to support you every step of the way with ideas, resources and encouragement.
Every pound you raise helps fund services such as THT Direct, Living Well and our Hardship Fund, helping people living with HIV to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
If you're concerned about reaching your target, please get in touch as early as possible. We'll work with you to create a plan and offer additional fundraising support.
If the agreed fundraising target isn't met, we may not be able to offer you a charity place in future events.
The good news is that most Team Terry participants meet or exceed their fundraising target, and we're confident you can too.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
I don't want to commit to a minimum fundraising target. What should I do?
No problem. Many events also offer public ballot or general entry places.
If you secure your own place directly through the event organiser, we'd still love you to join Team Terry.
There's no minimum fundraising commitment for own-place runners. We'll provide the same support and encouragement, and every pound you raise will help support people living with and affected by HIV.
I've never fundraised before. Can I still take part?
Absolutely. Many of our supporters are first-time fundraisers.
We'll provide fundraising tips, resources and support to help you get started, and you'll always have a member of our fundraising team on hand if you need advice.
Most participants find that donations from friends, family and colleagues add up more quickly than expected once they start sharing their story and fundraising page.
How do I set up my fundraising page?
We'll let you know our recommended fundraising platform when you register for your event.
Setting up your fundraising page only takes a few minutes and makes it easy to collect donations, track your progress and share your challenge with friends, family and colleagues.
If you need any help getting started, our fundraising team will be happy to assist.
Do I need to be an experienced runner?
Not at all.
Many Team Terry participants are taking on their first running challenge, whether that's a 10K, half marathon or marathon.
We'll point you towards useful training plans and resources to help you prepare, and many events provide guidance suitable for beginners as well as experienced runners.
Is Gift Aid included in my sponsorship target?
No. Gift Aid does not count towards your minimum sponsorship target.
Gift Aid is an additional contribution we receive from HMRC on eligible donations, helping your fundraising go even further. While it doesn't count towards your target, it does provide valuable additional support for our work.
Can I fundraise with a friend?
Absolutely.
If you and a friend, family member or group are taking part in the same event, you're welcome to fundraise together. Please remember that fundraising targets apply per person, so each participant must meet their individual target.
If you're planning to fundraise as a team, let us know by emailing [email protected] and we'll be happy to support you.
Can I continue collecting donations after the event?
Yes.
You're welcome to continue fundraising after your event has taken place. We simply ask that you aim to reach your minimum sponsorship target within four weeks of the event date.
Every donation helps us support people living with and affected by HIV.
How do I get a Team Terry t-shirt or running vest?
If you're taking part in one of our challenge events, either through a charity place or with your own place, we'll be happy to provide you with a Terrence Higgins Trust t-shirt, running vest or cycling jersey where available.
We'll contact you with details after you've registered.
Will Terrence Higgins Trust be there to support me on the day?
We'd love to be at every event, but as a small fundraising team supporting participants across the UK, this isn't always possible.
We do plan to have Team Terry cheering stations at some of our key events, including:
- 2027 TCS London Marathon
- 2027 London Landmarks Half Marathon
- 2027 Hackney Half Marathon
Even when we can't be there in person, you'll still have our full support in the lead-up to your challenge, and we'll be cheering you on from afar.
I've had a change in circumstances and can no longer take part. What happens now?
We understand that plans can change.
If you're no longer able to take part in your event, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing [email protected].
Where possible, we'll try to defer your place to the following year or offer a suitable alternative event. Unfortunately, this isn't always possible and cannot be guaranteed.
If your place is deferred, you'll need to pay the registration fee for the new event.
Please note that registration fees are non-refundable.
Thank you for considering Team Terry.
We hope to welcome you to one of our future challenge event teams and support you every step of the way as you help create a future without new HIV cases in the UK.