Lost the lottery? Find an open charity spot.
Charities hold marathon entries for runners who fundraise for them. OpenBibs lists the open ones in one place, with fundraising minimums and deadlines, so you can apply with the charity directly.
26.2miles from start to finish
How it works
For runners
- Pick your race and filter by fundraising minimum and deadline.
- Choose a cause you care about and click Apply with charity.
- Apply on the charity's own site. They pick their runners and confirm your entry.
For charities
- List your open spots in a few minutes. Your first listing is free as a verified 501(c)(3), then $19 for 30 days.
- We review every listing before it goes live.
- Runners click through to your own application page. A weekly email keeps your listing current.
Guides for runners
All guides- How marathon charity entries workWhat a marathon charity entry is, how applying works at New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin and Tokyo, and what you sign up to.
- Marathon charity fundraising minimums explainedReal 2027 charity minimums for New York, Boston, Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo and Sydney, who sets them, and what happens if you fall short.
- A 16-week plan to hit your fundraising minimumA week-by-week plan to raise a $2,500 to $5,000 charity marathon minimum, with the weekly maths and the deadlines charities really set.
- Marathon lottery rejected? Your optionsMissed the London, Chicago, Berlin, New York or Tokyo draw? The official routes still open for 2027, starting with charity places.
Got marathon spots to fill?
Fill your spots with motivated runners. $19 per listing for 30 days, and your first listing is free as a verified 501(c)(3). Add your race in about three minutes, and we review it before it goes on the board.
Questions
What is a charity spot?
Many marathons give charities a number of entries. A runner gets one of those entries by agreeing to raise a set amount for the charity. The charity decides who gets its spots.
Does OpenBibs sell race entries?
No. OpenBibs never sells or transfers entries. We only list spots that charities offer, and you apply with the charity directly.
Does it cost anything to use?
Browsing and applying through OpenBibs is free for runners. The charity sets the fundraising minimum, and some races also charge their own entry fee.
Is OpenBibs part of the race?
No. OpenBibs is independent and not affiliated with any race organiser. Always check details on the official race and charity websites.
Who runs OpenBibs?
OpenBibs is run by Quixta Ventures LLP, a limited liability partnership registered in India. Charities can pay to place or feature their listings, which is how the site is funded, and paid listings are labelled Sponsored. Runners never pay.