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Flora London Marathon

I know this topic should be here, however I think this is the best place for answers opposed to Chat. How hard is it to secure a place in the marathon? Has anybody ran before? If so, how did it go?

Thank you in advance.

Bump

I think they have a certain amount of spaces. I really want to do it one day before i die (heck, it might kill me itself). Just one of my life ambitions really. You'd have to apply early and train yourself so hard.

Reply 3

notts

i have been told it is VERY hard to get a place.

someone told me you should make it sponsored: much more likely to get chosen and helps people out.

why do you want to do it? personal ambition?

Reply 4

NickNack

Im applying this year (applications are in "Marathon News", a free magazine from most sports shops). You have to be 18+

Its mainly done by ballot, for a student its £23 if you get a place (you can get it back if you dont, or you can donate it to be entered into another 1000 places and get a jacket). Ive no idea how likely/easy it is to get a place, but it cant be easy if people who are rejected 5 years in a row have to be automatically guaranteed a place in advance. :confused:

If you get a place through the ballot, then you can contact a charity and offer to run for them, your not obliged to raise a target amount (or if you are, its a lot less than below), and they support you through your training.

There are other routes in, if you fail the ballot, through charities (think its called golden bond). You have to guarantee to raise so much money and in return you get given a place - i started doing this last year until i decided to sprain my ankle very badly. The exact amount depends on the charity, but its a lot. However, if your not bothered about raising a lot of money, there is always a charity with a space for you (you apply direct to the charity, best off googling different ones, i had a place with spinal research last year and with a bit of luck will do again this year. I also had offers from the 3 other charities i contacted)

Needless to say, you have to be ready to train hard for it. Ive already started, and will be in the great south run (Oct 22nd, 10 miles)

http://www.london-marathon.co.uk/ has more info if you havent looked yet, hope ive helped :smile:

EDIT: You need to apply NOW, the deadline is sometime in october

Reply 5

ic1male

I think there are about 5 people applying for every place available. I've tried for the last two years and not got in through the ballot. If you have four rejections in a row, then you are guaranteed a place for the fifth year.

Unfortunately I'm not in the right frame of mind for this year so I'll have to start my application process from scratch in 2008.

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