So you’ve watched the London Marathon. Been enthused by the television programmes? Perhaps you know someone who has done it, and you think ‘you know what, I can do it!’
What is the next step? How do I get a place in one of the greatest races in the world? Fear not, I will explain.
To get a ballot place you need to act quickly. The ballot opens on Tuesday 22nd April. At what time, no one is certain, but last year it closed when it reached 125,000 applicants. And that took 11 hours! You find out in October, and it is thought you have a 1 in 7 chance although this is not confirmed. Entry is via http://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/
The second way to gain place is to run for a charity. There are charity places available now, so it’s benefits are you can start training immediately. However, to gain a Charity place you will have to commit to raise a certain amount of money (probably around £2000). Think carefully if raising money could be an issue as trying to train for a marathon as well as fundraising can take its toll.
Running clubs often have places, and so if you are a member of a club it is worth enquiring what the procedure is regarding gaining the club place. Clubs will have their own ways of selecting their runners.
And the final way is “Good for Age”. The London Marathon has places for runners who have a run a full marathon below certain times.
|
Men |
Time (in hours) |
Women |
Time (in hours) |
|
Age 18 – 40 |
sub 3:05 |
Age 18 – 40 |
sub 3:45 |
|
Age 41 – 49 |
sub 3:15 |
Age 41 – 49 |
sub 3:50 |
|
Age 50 -59 |
sub 3:20 |
Age 50 -59 |
sub 4:00 |
|
Age 60 – 64 |
sub 3:45 |
Age 60 – 64 |
sub 4:30 |
|
Age 65 – 69 |
sub 4:00 |
Age 65 – 69 |
sub 5:00 |
|
Age 70 – 75 |
sub 5:00 |
Age 70 – 75 |
sub 6:00 |
|
76+ |
sub 5:30 |
76+ |
sub 6.30 |
These were last year times, but there is no guarantee they will remain the same for 2015.
Good luck if you decide to enter the London Marathon. But remember if you don’t get a place, other marathons are available…
All the best,
Woody