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The National Autistic Society announces 2027 TCS London Marathon Official Charity of the Year partnership, with national autism awareness call to action
The National Autistic Society, the UK’s leading charity for autistic people, is the 2027 TCS London Marathon Official Charity of the Year, with plans to make next year’s marathon the world’s most inclusive mass participation event.
In addition to collaborating with the TCS London Marathon on some new initiatives to make the event the most inclusive yet, the National Autistic Society is also encouraging participants to become part of a national movement through the charity’s ‘It’s Time to Show Up’ London Marathon campaign. The campaign is designed to increase public understanding of autism by helping everyone to consider the ways they can support autistic people, such as allowing more processing time and advocating for autistic colleagues in the workplace.
It’s Time to Show Up
The event partnership marks the beginning of a lasting legacy for autistic people, with money raised by the charity from the 2027 event helping to fund a new advice hub and an online community app, carefully designed for the two million people who seek out the charity’s advice and guidance each year. The app will include bespoke help from autism experts, peer-to-peer opportunities and practical tools, transforming the way that the charity supports autistic people.
Caroline Stevens, Chief Executive at the National Autistic Society, said: “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.
“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.
“We’re very much looking forward to cheering on our Team Autism participants on the day, and celebrating the most inclusive TCS London Marathon to date - where everyone can take part without limits.”
Lucy Bronze MBE, England women’s footballer and Celebrity Ambassador for the National Autistic Society, said: “Announcing the TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year partnership is such a proud moment. But this is more than a partnership – it’s a chance for us all to help create a society where all autistic people are valued, understood, and included.
“Whether you’re participating, fundraising, cheering on friends and family, or sharing our message, let’s show up, together.”
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “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.”
