London marathon 2013

why London?

Craig,

Not all charities are asking for £2000.Have a look around

Especially some of the lesser known ones,good luck

if you are not already a member of a club you are unlikely to get a club place - for example, my running club has rules that govern who is eligible for places, and one of the rules is that you must have been a member of the club for at least a year.

have you applied 6 times in a row for London? I know the rules have changed about automatic entry after applying 5 times, but to be honest I am not sure what those rules are - you could contact the organisers to verify that if you feel you should have had automatic entry.

If you look around at all the charities you may find one that doesn't require you to raise an enormous amount. I don't think I would be capable of raising £2K - it is a massive amount

However, London is not the mecca of marathons - Paris is fairly easy to get into. You are being a bit sensitive about the replies!

Have a look at the CRUNCH website www.crunch.org.uk  It has a list of charities that still require runners - some asking a pledge of around £1250?

Nearer the time you often find charities who still need runners and often drop their pledge requirements (also means less time to raise money though)

I too really want to do London but havent had any luck and am not ever going to get a good for age. Prior to getting my expected rejection letter I entered Brighton (mainly so that my training had focus) and I am actually really excited about doing it but thats becasue for me its being able to achieve the distance rather than doing "London".

My friend wants to do London and has already started raising money/saving for sponsorship for 2014!! She knows that she cant raise £2000 in 6 months and has her heart set on it. I guess you may have to consider this if its London that your hearts desire - but in the meantime book a different Spring marathon to keep up the training and you never know a place might come up - Alot of charities have reserve lists?

Sorry to waffle..Good Luck!

Craig.. people aren't angry with you.  The forum gets lots of messages like this every year and TBH it gets a bit wearisome!   In fairness their are thousands of rejectees every year.  They would all like a place as well.  You can't expect to come on here and have someone wave a magic wand to get you a place, you are no more a special case than all the others who have missed out.  A charity is the only way now.  Intermanaut's remark that there are other marathons may seem flippant but it is very good advice.  Berlin, Barcelona, Paris & Dublin marathon's are all just as enjoyable as London - and easier to get in to!

But you dont get on telly....

Brighton's on Channel 4 next year Mrs D! I'm having my hair done specially

Craig,

Last year I ran for a charity called VICTA (Visually Impaired Children Taking Action) as I too was desperate to run the London Marathon (I had run it the previous year through a club).  This is a wonderful charity, fairly small compared to many, and only asking for £1,250.  This is actually a very small sum to raise once you start getting the word out and about to every single person you know!!

VICTA also offered plenty of support with weekly e-mails and cheering points on-route.  All of their communication was electronic to save them money (which I liked) and I felt like the people in the office really knew me and were behind me.

Go on to their website and see what you think, do not dismiss the charity route, especially if you are running out of time.

www.victa.org.uk