Are you feeling inspired by the amazing runners at the London Marathon this year?
Over 40,000 people participated in this year’s event, from experienced athletes to first-time runners, all converging in London to take in the grueling 26.2 mile route.
The route’s designed to showcase some of the best sights the city has to offer. Starting in Greenwich Park, runners pass by iconic landmarks such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Buckingham Palace and anyone that has taken part will tell you it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience, with enthusiastic crowds lining the streets to cheer on runners – some even dressed up in fancydress outfits!
For those who couldn’t make it this year, don’t worry, you can start preparing for next year’s event. The London Marathon is known for being one of the world’s biggest races, with hundreds of thousands of people applying for a spot. But with a bit of planning and preparation, you can try your luck.
So, mark your calendars for next year’s event and get ready to start training. We’ll give you all the information you need, including when the race is happening and how to apply for a spot.
When is the London Marathon 2024?
Next year’s London Marathon will take place on Sunday 21 April 2024.
How does the ballot work and how long is it open for?
If you’re interested in taking part in the London Marathon, there are a few ways to go about it. The most common way is to apply for a place on the ballot. The selection process is random, so getting a spot is like winning the lottery. Last year, over 410,000 people applied for the race, but only around 20,000 were selected.
If you’re one of the lucky ones chosen, you’ll need to pay an entry fee of £69.99 to secure your spot. The ballot for the 2024 TCS London Marathon is open now, and you have until April 29th to enter. Once you’ve entered, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
After the ballot closes, runners will be chosen at random, and you’ll receive an email letting you know if you’ve been selected. This usually happens within a few weeks of the ballot closing.
Did you know you can get a second chance?
If you choose to donate your entry fee during the ballot process, it’s a win-win situation. If you do get a ballot place, it means your entry is pre-paid and confirmed – and if you don’t, you’ll be automatically entered into a lucky draw for a second chance to win one of 2,000 extra places!
And if you still don’t get in after that, you’ll receive a premium winter running top, and your donation will go to help fund the London Marathon Foundation to make a difference and inspire activity across the UK.
So, if you’re up for the challenge, why not give it a go? You never know, you might just get lucky and secure a spot in one of the world’s most iconic races.
Running for charity
If you’re not successful in the ballot, don’t worry – you may still have a chance to run the London Marathon for charity.
Many major UK charities are given a set number of places and allocate them to runners who agree to fundraise for them.
Charities may choose runners based on a connection with their cause or how much money they can realistically raise. They may also require you to pay a registration fee when applying for their charity place.
If you’re interested in running for a charity, you can find out more about the different options available on the official marathon page. It’s a great way to support a cause you care about while taking part in one of the most iconic races in the world. So why not give it a go and see if you can make a difference?
