So You Want to Run Like Mo Farah? Buckle Up, Because EVERYONE Else Does Too!
The London Marathon. A glorious (and slightly painful) 26.2-mile trek through the heart of London, testing your limits and filling your lungs with... well, car fumes mostly, but hey, there's Big Ben! But before you dust off your trainers and stock up on energy gels, there's a bit of a hurdle to overcome – getting in the darn race!
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| How Many People Enter The London Marathon |
The Hunger Games: London Marathon Edition
The London Marathon is the biggest marathon in the world, with over 53,000 finishers in 2024. That's a lot of medals and a LOT of sore legs. But here's the kicker: for those coveted spots, there were a whopping 840,318 applications for the 2025 race. That's more people than the population of Iceland! So, getting in is basically like winning the lottery, unless you're an elite runner or willing to run for charity (we'll get to that later).
The Not-So-Secret Ballot: How to Throw Your Name in the Ring (Literally)
The main way to enter the London Marathon is through the public ballot. It's a glorified lucky dip where everyone has an equal chance. Imagine millions of names swirling around in a virtual fishbowl, and a few lucky souls getting plucked out to run alongside Mo Farah. Thrilling, right?
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
Top Tip: Entering the ballot is free, so why not? It's like buying a lottery ticket you might actually win (emphasis on might).
Charity Begins at 26.2 Miles: The Guilt Trip to Glory
Didn't win the ballot? Fear not, there's another way! Many charities have guaranteed places in the race. You can channel your inner Usain Bolt for a good cause, all while raising some serious cash. It's a win-win! You get to run the marathon, they get a fundraising boost, and everyone gets a warm fuzzy feeling (except your quads, those will be screaming).
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
Word to the Wise: This option often comes with a fundraising minimum, so be prepared to unleash your inner social media butterfly and guilt-trip your friends and family into sponsoring you.
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FAQ: Your Burning Marathon Entry Questions Answered
How to train for the London Marathon? This one's a biggie! There are countless training plans online, but generally, it involves a lot of running, some strategic carb-loading, and the ability to ignore the voice in your head telling you to quit.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
How much does it cost to enter the London Marathon? If you get in through the ballot, it's £69.99. Charity entries can vary, so check with your chosen charity.
How do I know if I got into the ballot? They'll send you an email, so keep an eye out and avoid the spam folder!
Tip: Let the key ideas stand out.
How long does the London Marathon take to complete? For the elite runners, a couple of hours. Us mere mortals? Anywhere between 4 and 8 hours (or more, no shame in the walk/run strategy!).
How do I cope with the crowds at the London Marathon? Just imagine it's like rush hour on the Underground, but everyone's (slightly) more motivated.
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