London Marathon Ballot system is a joke.

Foe a couple of years when Flora sponsored it they handed out cheese and tomato sandwiches - went down suprisingly well.

Yes, they were the first thing I looked for this year as I needed a bit of a boost.  Much missed.  The two cans of deodorant and razor weren't in the same league

Bear B.Hind wrote (see)

Foe a couple of years when Flora sponsored it they handed out cheese and tomato sandwiches - went down suprisingly well.

Now Virgin are sponsoring it I wonder what they could hand out?!

Depressing that RodthePlod thinks that real runners can't be people who raise money for charity or get dressed up in fancy dress.  Are they doing any less distance?  Does it mean less to them that it does to you?  I think not.

I've done London before and will be doing it again on Sunday and as with all the big races if you want a guaranteed place then simply go for a charity spot.  Don't whinge just because you can't be bothered raising the cash when others can.  The VLM is brilliant (better than NYC and Loch Ness which are also brilliant) so don't go panning it just cos it's hard to get into.

@John McArther 4. Well said and good luck for Sunday. I am one of the volunteer helping out, will be located near Embankment. As I did not get a place, I thought why not help out instead. 

Cheers!   I think London will be epic and the tragic events of Boston will galvanise the runners, volunteers and crowds to be noisier, louder and more brash than ever.  

Yes - the VLM has indeed become a commercial affair but raising millions for charities is no bad thing and for those lucky enough to get in it's still one of the greatest shows on the planet.

I enjoyed watching you guys running on Sunday, I was helping out at the 25 miles point. Not ran the London Marathon since 2010 I will try my luck for the 2014 ballot place. 

For some of you marathon addicts, you may want to try the North Kent road runners marathon which takes place on Saturday 1st Jun, you should have recovered by then and  If you are chasing for Good For Age time place for the London Marathon 2014 this will be your last chance before the July deadline. 

Hi. I was lucky enough to get a ballot place on my first attempt in 2012. Had to defer as I got injured during my training. Picked up another injury and a chest infection just before 2013, and was debating dropping out until the terrible events in Boston.

I thought that my niggles and lack of quality training were nothing compared to what those runners went through in Boston.

Best decision I ever made!!

I had the most fantastic day, ended up doing 5.28.26 due to my injury, but you know what, that doesn't matter!

Still limping but also still on a 'high'.

I said I would only do it once, but guess what, I've entered the 2014 ballot!!

Good luck everyone!

I'm an indecent runner then Cougs..... But you knew that already!