Changing start to run with someone else?

I'm sure this has been asked before (but the search is crap) and I think I know the answer but....

I have a (deferred) ballot place. A friend of mine has a charity place. It's her first mara and I'm not concerned about doing a fast time - given my work schedule and existing injuries it is highly unlikely I'll be challenging my PB. So I thought I might run with her. However I reckon we'll be at different starts and I don't fancy the chance of being able to meet up on route.

So.... is it possible for either of us to change start?

It does get asked every year, but you've got in earlier than most!

Unless they change the rules, no, you can't change starts.  All of the starts have merged by mile 3 so you could try and meet up near a mile marker after then.

I'm sure that out of the 40,000 who are running you will each manage to find nice people to run with if that's what you want.  Your friend, for example, might have training days via her charity.

Sorry, to ask this as old4speed has given good advice, but does anyone know how you can get from the Blue to Red area or vice versa (can you just simply walk through to another area) as the marshalls are v careful to check numbers to make sure people are in the right area let alone getting to the pen! 

I have a charity place ths year and will be on the red start but my friend who I want to run with is on the blue start.  Does anyone know best way round this?  Thought about meeting up when starts merge at mile 3 but don't think this would work. 

If anyone has any ideas at all, PLEASE reply! 

PS: Hoping to get round in about 4.30.

Ah, this old chestnut!  One thing you MUST be aware of.. your kit bag has your number on so that you can retrieve it at the finish.  It therefore must be put on the correct numbered baggage lorry on your correct allocated start.  This would mean handing your bag over at the start, giving you enough time to hoof it over to the start that you want to run from (with no absolute guarantee of gaining entry).

This sounds like added stress to me, which is the last thing you want before a marathon.  I have heard of runners being allowed to go to the back of the red start but this reduces your chance of anything like a decent time.  Simply not worth the hassle IMHO.  

I have, twice.

I just walked into the other start (charity one, which colour?) with the kit bag belonging to my running partner in front of me, number forwards.  Marshalls see the appropriately coloured number, you walk through.  All my kit went into her bag, she picked it up at the end.

No-one has ever checked my pen number either.  But its a risk and does always make me a bit nervous.

Thanks for replies.  Think I'll just take a chance to meet up after the merge although chances are nigh on impossible unless anyone has any ideas??  please................................