The London Marathon
The 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon takes place on Sunday 23rd April. First held on 29th March 1981 with just 6,255 participants crossing the finishing line, the event now holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest annual fund raising event in the world, and has raised over £450 million for charity since it started.
The race was founded by former Olympic champion Chris Brasher, and athlete John Disley. After competing in the New York City Marathon in November 1979, Brasher felt inspired to organise a similar event in Britain that could bring together people of all races, creeds and backgrounds in a joyful way.
The race is set over a flat course around the River Thames, and covers a distance of 26 miles and 385 yards. Starting at three separate points it ends in The Mall alongside St James’s Park. The year 2010 saw the biggest field since the race began, with 36,549 crossing the finishing line, and around 38,000 people are expected to take part this year.
There are several ways to apply for a place in the race. The cheapest is by ballot entry. This is done online and last year applications took place over a five day period a week after the marathon was run. It costs around £35 to enter, and organisers expect nearly a quarter of a million people to apply this year, but only 50,000 will be successful, and it is predicted that 12,000 people will drop out. The fee can be paid at time of application or later, but if unsuccessful the fee will be forfeited. Many opt to donate it to charity if this happens.
If you are not one of the lucky ones, the next option is via a charity. The Marathon website (www.
virginmoneylondonmarathon.com) lists charities that have reserved places on offer, but there are usually more runners than places. Successful applicants are likely to be selected according to their connection with the charity and the amount of money they have pledged to raise. Entry can cost up to £100 and you may be expected to raise a four figure sum!
Other admission methods include Good-For-Age Entry, available to previous entrants who have completed the race within a specified time for their age, and British Athletics Clubs can apply for entries for their members. A small number of places are also offered through competitions on the Marathon’s Twitter and Facebook sites.
Only participants who complete the race inside eight hours receive a medal and have their finish time published in the official results. A small number of runners, known as the ‘Ever-Presents’ has completed every London Marathon since 1981. The oldest is aged 82, the youngest 57.
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