At Northstowe Running Festival, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of taking part in our events. For many people, the entry fee for a race is simply part of the cost of taking part. For others, it can be the difference between entering and staying at home. That’s why we’re pleased to announce the return of our Pay What You Can (PWYC) entry scheme for 2026. The idea is simple. Instead of paying the standard entry fee, participants can choose an amount they can realistically afford. The purpose of the scheme is not to provide discounted race entries. It’s to remove financial barriers and help ensure that cost alone doesn’t prevent someone from taking part.
Built on trust
One thing that makes this scheme different is that we don’t ask people to prove they need support. We don’t ask for income details, benefits information or evidence of personal circumstances. Instead, we trust people to use the scheme honestly and in the spirit in which it is offered. When entering through the PWYC scheme, participants confirm that the standard entry fee would be a genuine barrier to participation and that they are requesting support in good faith.
Made possible by our community
The scheme is only possible because of the generosity of our community. Many runners choose to make an additional donation when entering, helping to create opportunities for people who might otherwise miss out.
We’re especially grateful to Longstanton & Northstowe Limpers, whose support will help fund Pay What You Can entries for local runners. Their contribution reflects the club’s commitment to making running welcoming and accessible within our community.
We hope this is just the beginning. As the scheme grows, we’d love to work with more local clubs, businesses and organisations who share our vision of making running accessible to everyone.
A place for everyone
Northstowe Running Festival has always been about more than finish times and medals. We want our events to be welcoming, inclusive and accessible. We know that people come from different backgrounds and face different challenges, and we want to do what we can to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to take part. If the standard entry fee were a genuine barrier to participation, we hope this scheme helps. If you’re in a position to pay the standard fee, or perhaps even make a small donation, you’ll be helping someone else experience the same sense of achievement, community and belonging that makes our events so special.
You can find out more about the scheme here