So You Wanna Run Like Mo Farah? Buckle Up, Wannabe Marathoners!
The London Marathon. A glorious (and slightly terrifying) 26.2-mile trek through the heart of London, where everyday Joes (and Janes!) share the course with elite athletes. But before you dust off your trainers and stock up on energy gels, there's a bit of a hurdle to overcome: getting a spot in the race.
The Hunger Games of Running: How Many People Actually Apply?
We're talking epic numbers here, folks. The 2025 London Marathon ballot just closed, and get this: a whopping 840,318 people threw their names in the hat! That's more people than the entire population of Iceland (seriously, look it up).
Yes, you read that right. 840,318!
So, if you applied for the 2025 race, well, good luck! You're officially in the Hunger Games of running, and the odds of getting a spot are...well, let's just say you might need a lucky rabbit's foot and a four-leaf clover.
Don't Despair, Marathon Mavericks! There's Hope Yet!
While the ballot is a lottery, there are other ways to snag a coveted spot on the starting line. Here are a few options:
- Charity Places: Many charities offer guaranteed race entry in exchange for fundraising. Flex your muscles for a good cause!
- Good for Time (GFT) Runners: If you've conquered a marathon before with a qualifying time, you might get an automatic entry.
- Club Entries: Some running clubs have a limited number of guaranteed entries. Time to dust off that membership card!
Remember: These options have their own requirements and deadlines, so do your research!
FAQ: You Ask, We (Hopefully) Answer!
How to train for a marathon? This one requires a whole blog post (or ten)! But in short, start slow, build gradually, and listen to your body.
How to pick a running charity? Find a cause close to your heart and research charities with good reputations.
How to find a running club? Many running stores and websites have listings for local clubs.
How much does it cost to run the London Marathon? The cost varies depending on your entry method, but expect to pay a few hundred pounds.
How do I cope with the emotional rollercoaster of marathon training? Ice cream. Lots and lots of ice cream.
So, there you have it! The lowdown on how many people apply for the London Marathon (it's a lot), and how you can snag a spot for yourself (with a little planning and maybe some bribery of the marathon gods). Now get out there, train hard, and remember: running a marathon is an amazing achievement, regardless of whether you finish first or...well, last!
