VLM 2011

Email that just came through:

In the past, the London Marathon has been able to offer a guaranteed race entry to runners after 5 consecutive unsuccessful ballot applications.

Unfortunately, due to the incredible growth in numbers of applicants, we have decided that we cannot continue to operate this system in future.

However, we acknowledge that it would be unfair to remove this well established system without notice so instead, we have decided on a phased withdrawal of the system over the next few marathons by introducing a Priority Online Ballot Entry Scheme for the benefit of all previous applicants with at least 2 rejected ballot entry applications in 2009 and 2010.

Our records show that you have made 2 consecutive unsuccessful applications and as a result we are offering you the opportunity to maintain your record of consecutive applications in the ballot by following the link from this special invitation email to the Priority Online Ballot Entry System and completing your registration in advance of the main public ballot, which opens on Tuesday 4th May.

The username and password provided below are exclusively for your use and cannot be used by anyone else.

You will retain your place in the Priority Online Ballot Entry Scheme until you either obtain a place in the race through the ballot entry process in the normal way, or you qualify under the 'five times consecutively rejected' rule highlighted above, whichever comes first.

In addition, in order to remain in the Priority Online Ballot Entry Scheme you must keep us updated with any change in your email address so that we can be sure that we can contact you in subsequent years until the scheme finally closes.

Lastly, please note that you must complete your priority application by 5pm on Friday, 30th April 2010 otherwise you will lose your place in the Priority Online Ballot Entry Scheme. You will still be able to apply through the main public ballot for the 2011 race which opens on Tuesday 4th May but you lose your rights outlined above.

maybe a daft queston but...

if you run via a gold bond place does it wipe out your rejetion history ?

No Buck, it doesn't

Just got mine,

Think it is crap though - they have a brand new computerised system that should make this process perfectly possible to continue with.

Screamapiller,

on one of the other threads we did actually get an official explanation for this.  The ballot numbers are being increased which would mean that (in extremis) if they continued to honour the '5 rejections and you're in' then no-body else would be able to run.

Hi there, this is my first ever post (I have been a subscriber for years, but have lost the running bug lately).  I have had 5 rejections from the VLM now, I got this email today and it says I have only had 2 consecutive rejections...  I was hoping for my guaranteed place in 2011 and don't want to have to wait another few years.

I have tried to call VLM, but keep getting cut off.  Does anyone know if they will have a record of my previous entries?  I have moved house since I started applying.  I remember in the past that there was a place on the form to say how many times you had applied and any previous addresses, but it didn't have that option on this entry form...

 Thanks in advance

Got mine.  Entry done. 

FF, I suppose if you follow their logic then it should make it easier to get in via the ballot in the first place.

I agree that their records are well out of whack - They said I have 3 rejections, it is 4. 

I should also have had an email on behalf of my OH who is on 5 but haven't so I have to chase that up. 

I guess none of this would be such a problem if we hadn't both given them £32 every bloody year!

I think they are only looking at consecutive rejections? I have 4 in 5 years, but missed the second year and 3 is what they said for me. I suppose it is those 3 years that actually count?

Anyway, wasn't the entry process much easier than last year! I suppose they hope to get a load ofus entered by May and thus release the load a little on the system when it opens fully.