MACS Teams Take on the Belfast Marathon to Help End Youth Homelessness in Northern Ireland

It was an incredible day at the Belfast Marathon 2026 as staff, supporters and partners came together to raise vital funds for MACS and support young people experiencing homelessness across Northern Ireland.

Teams from MACS took part across the relay marathon route, while our Space to Grow practitioner Callum completed the full Belfast Marathon in support of ending youth homelessness. We were also proud to have a team from the Grand Opera House Belfast running alongside us as part of their partnership with MACS.

Throughout the day, MACS staff and supporters gathered at our cheer station outside our Ormeau Road offices, creating an amazing atmosphere for runners as they passed by. With music, signs, snacks and plenty of encouragement, the support shown by colleagues, friends and the wider community helped make the day incredibly special.

Every mile completed and every donation raised will help MACS continue supporting children and young people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or struggling to maintain stable housing. As Northern Ireland’s only youth-specific homelessness charity, MACS works across Belfast, Lisburn, Newry and Downpatrick providing housing support, floating support, wellbeing services and early intervention programmes for young people.

The Belfast Marathon was not only a fantastic fundraising event, but also an opportunity to raise awareness of hidden homelessness and the growing number of young people facing housing insecurity in Northern Ireland.

In 2025, 2,270 young people aged 16–25 presented as homeless in Northern Ireland. At MACS, we see every day how the right support at the right time can help young people build brighter futures.

A huge thank you to everyone who ran, donated, volunteered, cheered from the sidelines, and supported Team MACS throughout the day. Your support helps us continue working towards an end to youth homelessness in Northern Ireland.