London Marathon 2012 - Spring Marathon

Jenjen84

15/02/2011 at 19:06

Hi all,

Can anyone tell me whether there's a reminder service that one can sign up to in order to be able to apply for the London Marathon 2012 as soon as the ballot opens? I really really really want to enter but can find no information! I've been on the Virgin London marathon site a million and one times, and checked the forums on here.

I entered the Great North Run last year and made use of BUPA's reminder service.

When can I enter the London Marathon 2010? It's driving me crackers, thinking that I might somehow end up missing entry day!!!!

Clag

15/02/2011 at 22:05

Jennifer, from what I can recall I think the ballot usually opens the day after the marathon has run. Then the website normally crashes due to the volume of people hitting on it! I think that's the way it goes - if not, I'm sure someone else will come along and correct me.

3:30 or bust

16/02/2011 at 03:06

Clags correct

I will be entering as well done 10 Londons last one about 5 years ago. If I donr get in willdo Loch Ness in October - guaranteed to get in if you apply early I believe

JOE SOMERVILLE

21/03/2011 at 19:21

Jenjen84, the main ballot for entry for v.l.m. 2012 opens for business on tuesday 26th of April, that is the info. I recieved from the marathon office, hope this helps, Joe

Jenjen84

23/03/2011 at 14:11

Oooh, oooh! Thanks, Joe, 3:30 and Clag!

JOE SOMERVILLE

23/03/2011 at 16:06

hi Jenjen 84 it's for sure as i am on 4 rejections so had a priority ballot form and it was explained on that date for the main ballot, good luck to us both in early October, have fun, Joe

Les Millar

03/04/2011 at 21:01

Joe

I was having the same problem as JenJen. Didn't get in for 2011 hopefully will next year

Les

JOE SOMERVILLE

04/04/2011 at 09:00

hi Les it's tuesday 26th April, be early in case it crashes, it did for my brother and he missed out on a 'priority, . ballot, good luck pal, joe

melanie haworth

04/04/2011 at 10:15

Hiya - what time does it open? I am working all day so will probably miss out!!

JOE SOMERVILLE

04/04/2011 at 12:41

Hi melanie last time it opened at just after midnight, so on the morning of the 26th april, if your up, give it a try, good lukk kiddo jo,e

Heather Drudge

11/04/2011 at 20:38

Hi, I understand that you can get in with a qualifying time. Does anyone know when this has to be achieved by? I know that last year it was the end of August sometime.

NorwichRunner

12/04/2011 at 08:42

Here is the page for this years good for age:

http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/marathon-centre/enter-virgin-london-marathon/good-for-age-entries/

I'd expect it will be roughly the same dates this year but once the ballot opens they'll update the website to reflect 2011 dates so you'll know for sure then.

JOE SOMERVILLE

12/04/2011 at 16:38

Hi Heather drudge phone the marathon office on 020 7902 0200 and they shold tell you, good luck, Joe

legend777

13/04/2011 at 12:38

Hey everyone. I'm also consider London Marathon 2012 after completing my first marathon last weekend (Great Welsh Marathon in Llanelli). Bit confused about this ballot process but in terms of getting in, this is what I've been told so far... please correct me if I've been informed incorrectly...

Very good chance if you've got a "good for age" time (something I'm no where near)

If you can raise £2000 then you can pretty much guarentee yourself a charity place

Without meeting one of the above criteria, your chances are 1 in 50

Could someone explain a bit more about the ballot system - you say the website usually crashes but it's not on a first come first served basis is it? Also - does it ask about previous marathon experience? Will it help my application that I've completed a marathon or have no effect at all?

Big Bertie

13/04/2011 at 13:28

Good for age guarantees a place (only for UK runners)

Charities will grant you a place if you pledge to raise a set amount (was £1,500 but may now be £2,000) I don't know how strict this requirement is as I've never entered this way.

The ballot chances are not great, but I'd say more like 1 in 6 or 7. I've got a 3 in 9 record.

The ballot is not first-come-first-served, so getting in early has no effect. there is a closing date though, so make sure you apply before then.

There are various theories regarding how the information you supply when you enter increases/decreases your chances. I think the official line is it has no effect, but I'll let someone else comment if they think differently.

Hope this helps!

Edited: 13/04/2011 at 13:29

legend777

13/04/2011 at 13:54

Thanks BB. I'll apply anyway and just see what happens - who knows, I might be lucky.

Martin Cox 7

16/04/2011 at 11:50

The charity I wanted to run for had 100 entries for their 25 places if you raise 1500 so still one in four (same as the main ballot I believe, closed at 100,000 entries for 25000 places). The same charity would guarantee a place if I guaranteed 3000.

I ran Rotterdam last weekend. 45 euros, no problem getting in and it starts and ends in the same place so much easier logistics!

Cheers
Martin

Sue Deane 2

17/04/2011 at 11:12

Can anyone tell me how much it is to enter and how do you pay. Do you only pay once you have got a place or have you got to pay a fee to enter the ballot? Many thanks.

Orchard Boy

17/04/2011 at 15:26

First of all a huge congratulations to all of those who have done the marathon today, well done.

What i would like to know is when the ballot closes how long is it before those who get an entry are notified? If i dont get entry via the ballot I will go down the charity route, but it will be a hard for me to raise £2-3k.

andy_w

17/04/2011 at 20:17

Sue, you normally only have to pay if you're successful in the ballot, and Orchard Boy normally the notifications go out at the end of September / beginning of October. Sorry but I can't remember the normal entry fee, I think it may have been about £35 but apologies in advance if I'm way out...

To give yourself a better chance in the ballot they normally operate a scheme where you can donate your entry to the London marathon charity in return for being entered into a second ballot if you don't get through the 1st main ballot. In return you also get some sort of official clothing item if you're rejected in the 2nd one also - this years cheap looking white running jacket I didn't think was up to much but other items like the fleece in previous years were ok. I'm building up quite a collection of rejection merchandise......

Would have thought the official website setting out 2012 details will be up soon.