Runners from all over the world are getting ready for the London Marathon 2024, here’s your guide to next year’s race
The London Marathon is one of the world’s most well-known long-distance running events and since its first edition in 1981, more than one million people have competed. The annual event is associated with numerous charities and has raised billions of pounds for various organisations over the years. Each year, it attracts elite athletes from around the world, as well as thousands of amateur runners and charity fundraisers, and is known for its diverse and inclusive field of participants.
How to apply for the London Marathon 2024?
To apply for the London Marathon, you need to submit an application to their ballot. Unfortunately, this year’s applications have closed and the successful ballot entrants were contacted back in July. But don’t worry, you can still enter one of London’s many other races instead.
If you applied for the London Marathon 2024 Ballot and were selected for the race, you’ll need to have paid the full entry fee of £69.99 (for UK entrants) or £146 (for international entrants, including a £20 carbon offset levy) to have secured your place. The deadline for this was on Tues 1st August 2023 at 4pm.
Is it hard to qualify for the London Marathon?
Successful applicants to the London Marathon Ballot are chosen completely at random, so everyone who applies has the same chance of being selected. However, you can increase your chances of being picked by choosing to donate your entry fee when entering the UK ballot. By doing this, you’ll get entered into a second draw for another chance to secure a spot in the race.
How long is the London Marathon?
The London Marathon is the same length as a typical marathon, at 26.2 miles. The course is mostly flat and runs along the banks of the River Thames.
What is the route and where is the London Marathon finish line?
The London Marathon starts in Greenwich Park and finishes on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace. Runners will also pass by many iconic landmarks on their way, such as Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Tower of London.
When was the London Marathon 2023?
This year’s London Marathon was held on 23rd April and was the first race to occur in the spring since 2019. In the years since, the races have been in the autumn, postponed due to Covid-19-related delays. The winner of the 2023 edition was Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum, who broke the London Marathon record with a finish time of 2:01:25. Runners in the 2024 marathon, that’s what you’d need to beat.