What’s new for Chariots of Fire 2026

Chariots of Fire returns to Cambridge on 20 September 2026, bringing runners, local businesses and communities together to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Now in its 34th year, the six-person relay race continues to be a standout moment in Cambridge’s community calendar. Founded by HCR Law in 1992, it’s one of the few fully road-closed relay events in the region, giving runners a rare chance to race through the historic grounds of several University of Cambridge colleges.

Each team of six completes a two-mile loop, passing the baton in a test of teamwork, pace and community spirit.

What’s new for 2026

The 2026 race introduces several new features designed to make Chariots of Fire more inclusive and to increase its impact for the charity:

• Young people aged 11 and over can now take part, either independently or with a parent or guardian
• £25 from every registration fee will be donated directly to the BHF
• 20% of all official Chariots of Fire t‑shirt sales will be donated to support BHF-funded research.

More than £1.6m has been raised since the event began, supporting projects that improve lives across Cambridgeshire. This year, all fundraising will support the BHF, the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research in the UK.

Heart and circulatory disease is a leading cause of death and ill health, with someone in Cambridgeshire dying from cardiovascular disease every four hours. Around 100,000 people across the region live with a heart or circulatory condition.

Funds raised in 2026 will support three research projects at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart and Lung Research Institute (VPD‑HLRI), where the BHF is a founding partner. Scientists and clinicians there work together to advance understanding of inherited heart conditions, congenital heart defects in babies and recovery after heart attack.

Sarah Lennon, Head of Fundraising at the BHF, said: “We are thrilled that this year’s Chariots of Fire will support pioneering research at the VPD-HLRI. This research has the power to transform lives for families across Cambridgeshire and beyond. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone taking part.”

Colin Jones, Partner at HCR Law, said: “The race is a significant date in the Cambridge calendar. We hope to see as many teams as possible on the start line and cheering one another home.

“Chariots of Fire is much more than a race. It’s a celebration of community, history and charitable giving, bringing together runners of all levels to support research that has the power to save lives.”

While the registration fee covers entry, it’s the wider fundraising that makes the biggest difference. Teams are encouraged to set up a JustGiving page and aim to raise at least £300. If 200 teams meet this target, £50,000 would be raised for the BHF’s research.

Teams can register across male, female, mixed, veteran and college categories. An event village on Queens’ Green will offer food, drink and entertainment for runners and supporters. Team registration is now open. To enter or find out more, visit the Chariots of Fire website.