The event, sponsored by Virgin Money, is set to be the largest London Marathon staged with organisers aiming for 100,000 participants in the 2021 race – 50,000 people running from Blackheath to The Mall and another 50,000 running the virtual marathon from wherever they are in the world.
Unsuccessful applicants for the London event will be offered first dibs for a space in the virtual event between today and February 16th before spaces are opened up for general applications.
Kick4Life, is a unique football club based in Lesotho in Southern Africa whose charity mission is is to change the lives and long-term prospects of vulnerable young people in Lesotho, through a wide range of social development activities focused on health, education and support towards sustainable livelihoods., is inviting unlucky runners who failed to get a spot in the run and those who want to guarantee themselves a spot in the virtual run to join and fundraise for #TeamK4L.
With 100 spaces up for grabs and a modest fundraising target of £125 (£25 as an application fee), funds raised through the Kick4Life places will help the charity provide vital support, at a time when it is facing a loss of income due to Covid-19.
Registration for the virtual event normally costs £28 and an additional £10 for runners outside the United Kingdom to cover costs of shipping medals and shirts.
Hugh Brasher, Virgin Money London Marathon Event Director, said: “The London Marathon is a wonderful example of sport as a force for good while raising millions for charity. It’s all about communities and people coming together. One of our founding pillars is ‘to have fun and provide some happiness and a sense of achievement in a troubled world’.
“The world record-breaking success of the virtual event in 2020 and the incredible stories from participants across the globe showed how the world’s greatest marathon brought hope in the darkness of the pandemic. We want to offer that again. We have also accelerated the plans we have been working on for some years to increase the number of finishers to 50,000.
“They will be part of a unique day in the history of the London Marathon on Sunday 3 October.”
People can join #TeamK4L with their ballot spot or can apply for a charity place in the 2021 Virgin Money Virtual London Marathon, at www.kick4life.org with more details available by emailing steve@kick4life.org
