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It’s quite something to see thousands of runners moving through the streets of one of the most iconic cities in the world.
Are you looking to participate in next year’s London Marathon? If you love the look of the TCS London Marathon events when you watch them on TV and want to be part of the action, keep reading for how to ace next year’s championship qualifying period!
Determine your eligibility
The first step to entering the TCS London Marathon is to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. In order to participate, runners must be at least 18 years old on the day of the race. In addition, the organizers of the London Marathon have set a time requirement for entry. Runners must have completed a previous marathon in under a certain time, depending on their age and gender. These time requirements can be found on the London Marathon website.
Choose your entry method
There are several different ways to enter the London Marathon, each with its own set of rules and requirements. Here are the main options:
- General entry: This is the most common way to enter the London Marathon. Applications for general entry open in early October of the year prior to the marathon and remain open until the race is full. To apply, runners must submit an online application and pay a non-refundable fee. If you are successful in the general entry lottery, you will receive a confirmation email in early October.
- Charity places: Many runners choose to participate in the London Marathon as a way to raise money for a charitable cause. If you are interested in running for charity, you can apply for a charity place through one of the London Marathon’s official charities. These places are in high demand and are usually allocated through a lottery system.
- Overseas Tour Operators: For international participants, The London Marathon also works with a number of Overseas Tour Operators (OTOs) who offer travel packages that include a guaranteed London Marathon place. If you are interested in this option, you will need to book a package through an OTO and pay a higher entry fee.
- Good for age entry: this is for if you have run a certified marathon course before, in a small amount of time.
- London Marathon ballot entry: For a fee, you can enter into a prize draw to win a place in the marathon.
Train for the race
Once you have secured your place in the London Marathon, it’s time to start training! This is a challenging event, and it’s important to be physically and mentally prepared. Plan your training schedule carefully, taking into account the amount of time you have before the race and your current fitness level. Be sure to include a variety of runs, including long runs, tempo runs, and intervals, in your training plan. It’s also a good idea to seek the advice of a running coach or experienced marathoner to help you prepare for the race.
FAQs
Can I run the London Marathon if I have never run a marathon before?
It is possible, but it is not recommended for first-time marathoners. This marathon is one of the biggest events on the calendar, and it requires a significant amount of training and preparation. If you are new to running marathons, it is recommended that you start with a smaller event and work your way up to the London Marathon.
What if I can’t get to London?
There is always the option of the virtual London Marathon! If you want to run the TCS London Marathon 2023, but you can’t afford the London Marathon entry, you can try entering virtually.
**Do you want to learn how to qualify for Boston marathon? Read more.
