How to Register and Participate in the London Marathon?

As one of the 7 marathons included in the World Majors, the most iconic races in the world, the London Marathon attracts many participants! 🖐️ Over the years, the number of people wanting to enter the World Marathon Majors 🏅 has skyrocketed, resulting in a yearly shortage of bibs. Still, there's always a chance to secure that golden ticket to the start line, so we're here to tell you everything you need to know to register and finally get that coveted bib! 🤩 Unlike many other marathons where a simple registration is enough 🖋️, the TCS London Marathon has a highly selective qualification process. You'll need to give it your all to earn a spot at the start line 👟.

1/ The Lottery: the most popular yet uncertain option! 😬

Indeed, for most participants, it all begins with "the Ballot" 🤑. Each year, the London giant opens a lottery system allowing runners from all over the world to try their luck for a spot 🌍. Registration for the draw usually opens in April, right after the current marathon edition 🗓️. You'll have about a week to submit your entry on the official race website 🖥️. You'll need to state your reason for participating: to achieve a personal best or simply for the experience 🥳. However, the lottery outcome is entirely random 😅. Results (positive or negative) are usually announced in October. Every year, thousands hope to be selected, but only a few lucky ones succeed 🤞. It's a highly unpredictable system, so don't be discouraged if you're not picked on your first try. Many runners need several attempts before hitting the jackpot 🎁.

Photo Credit: TCS London Marathon

2/ Charity Programs: run and fundraise for a cause 💰

This option is perfect for runners with a big heart wanting to support a charity of their choice 🎗️ or for those unlucky in the lottery. Many London Marathon bibs are allocated through charitable organizations. The idea is simple: you run to raise funds for a cause close to your heart 💝. To do this, just join a marathon partner organization and commit to raising a minimum donation amount that goes directly to the charity. The fundraising target varies but is usually around £1,500 to £3,000. This registration method is ideal as it fosters a sense of solidarity and supports charities in advancing research or improving actions for those in need 🤗. Once registered, you'll receive personalized support and even sports gear provided by the charity! 🎽 Known as one of Europe's major charity events, there are no shortage of partners. For the 2024 edition, a donation record was set: over £73,000,000 raised 🤯.

Photo Credit: TCS London Marathon

3/ Performance Qualification: Good For Age Bibs ⏱️

Are you fast on your feet and have what it takes? 👟 Then direct qualification might be your golden ticket to Hogwarts! 🎫 The rules are simple: run fast, really fast 🚀. The TCS London Marathon has set up the "Good For Age" program, which requires qualifying times that vary by age and gender 👩. For example, a man aged 35-39 must have run under 3 hours in a marathon completed within the past two years. For a woman in the same age group, the time is 3 hours 45 minutes. These performances aren't easy for all runners but are a bit less demanding than those needed for the New York Marathon 😣. If you break this glass speed ceiling 💥, you'll see your name on the participant list ✅. But beware, this option might seem easy, yet the spots are limited 🤏.

Photo Credit: TCS London Marathon

4/ Sports Travel Agencies: the savvy runner's package 👀

If you want to avoid the lottery and the stress of time limits 🥵, this might be your interest! Designed for marathoners 🏃‍♂️ and frequent travelers 🛬 who prefer to set their bags down and enjoy a meticulously organized trip, all-inclusive packages are highly sought after. Though pricier than organizing your trip independently 💲, travel agencies working with the event offer a package that includes a bib, accommodation, and even city tours depending on the agency 😎. It's undoubtedly the easiest and most stress-free option, but be sure to book well in advance, as these sell like Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans! 🍬 Ensure you go through an official agency to avoid ending up with an enchanted bib 😆.

5/ For UK Residents: bibs within reach 👋

For locals, there are additional ways to try to secure that coveted spot at the start line of this marathon 🏃‍♀️‍➡️. Running clubs and certain partner events may offer bibs! 😁 So if you’re a lucky one and your athletic club collaborates with the largest race in the country, check with them quickly! Instead of imposing interval training, your coach might have a nice surprise for you 🎁.

Can you really secure a bib? 🤔

Registering for the London Marathon isn't easy: it requires a bit of luck, planning, and a lot of perseverance 💪. Not everyone can be a finisher of the World Majors! 😝 Less selective than the Boston Marathon, the event offers several ways to secure a bib: lottery, charity, "Good For Age" bibs... Many paths are open to you, now it’s up to you to find the one that suits you best to take part in this unique race! 🥰

So don't hesitate any longer and do everything you can to get your bib for the TCS London Marathon! 🎡