Teach First

Run the River

Run the River 2021

Teach First's annual flagship fundraising event has traditionally seen 3,000 people run along the River Thames in London on a single evening to raise vital funds for our work supporting the UK’s most disadvantaged school children. But this year we’re keeping the event virtual and flexible, which means you can get involved from anywhere in the world.

This year, it doesn’t matter where you run – it just matters that you run.

Taking part is easy 

SIGN UP
Click the green 'Enter now' button to sign up for £15 as a UK-based runner or £19 if you’re overseas. Your registration fee will cover the costs of the event including your technical t-shirt and finisher’s medal. 
SUPPORT ANY WAY YOU CAN
Donate or fundraise to support our work. And don’t stop there. Spread the word and get friends, family and colleagues involved. 5km or 10km. Any route. Any ability. Anywhere in the world. It’s that simple.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Choose your own 5k or 10k route. Run by a local beauty spot, past Buckingham Palace, through Times Square, or up and down your garden. It's up to you!

LOG YOUR RUN
Between Tuesday 7 and Sunday 12 September, track your run with your preferred running app. Just remember to follow your local government guidelines regarding social distancing. Log your run via our portal to see where you stand on the leader board.  
RECEIVE YOUR MEDAL
All runners who complete Run the River 2021 will receive a finisher's medal in the post. Share your photos with us via social media @TeachFirst (Twitter) and @TeachFirstUK (Instagram) using the hashtag #RunTheRiver or through our Run the River Strava group.

Taking part as a team

You can take part in Run the River solo or as part of a team. When signing up, team captains should click 'Create a team' and choose a team name. All other team members should select 'Find a team' and search for it by name. It's that easy.

If your company would like to cover the cost of your team, we can support with arranging an invoice. Find out more here or get in touch with us at events@teachfirst.org.uk to make the arrangements.

You can also fundraise as a team using JustGiving. More information can be found in the FAQs.

If you plan to run with your team, please remember to follow your local government guidelines regarding social distancing.

Your support has never been more vital

Before COVID-19 poorer kids only had half the chance of thriving at school compared to their more-advantaged friends. The odds are now much tougher. As a result of school closures, it’s estimated that ten years of progress towards an education system that works for every child has been lost.

We’re determined to reverse this. But we need your help. 

Take part in Run the River and pledge your support to help the poorest school children. Add a donation at checkout, create an online fundraising page, or donate directly to the Run the River 2021 JustGiving Campaign. Whether you're fundraising for Teach First in the UK or one of our Teach for All network partners around the world, you'll be helping more young people get the opportunities they deserve.

Let’s work together to build an education system that works for every child.

Uploading your time

The results portal will be live first thing on Tuesday 7 September via the 'Results' tab above.
Make sure you submit your result by midnight on Sunday 12 September to ensure you receive your medal.

Any questions?

You might find your answer in our FAQs.

Or you can email the Teach First events team at events@teachfirst.org.uk or call Rosita on 020 3862 8420.

This event is proudly supported by headline sponsor Citi and event partner IG Group.