Entrants to the London Marathon are beginning to find out if they have a place in the prestigious event for 2024.
A record 578,374 people have applied to the ballot to take part in the event which will be on Sunday, April 21, with around 58,000 entries allowed.
Entries to the ballot were all made in the week after the London Marathon this year, which was the first to revert back to its traditional April slot since Covid-19.
Event director Hugh Brasher said: “This year’s TCS London Marathon was an amazing day, full of positivity and joy, which inspired a world record number of people to apply for the 2024 event, meaning an incredible 578,374 people will be anxiously awaiting results.
“We wish everyone the very best of luck.
“For those that are successful, your journey to the 2024 TCS London Marathon begins tomorrow.”
Samaritans is the official 2024 TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year.
When can I find out if I was successful?
Entrants will be able to find out by email if they got in or not on Thursday, July 6, and the email will arrive sometime before the evening for most.
The organisers say on the London Marathon website: “We draw the TCS London Marathon Ballot completely at random, just like the National Lottery, so everyone has the same chance — it really is down to the luck of the draw!
“If you’d like to increase your chances of gaining a TCS London Marathon place, you could opt to donate your entry fee when you enter the UK ballot, as ballot applicants who do this are entered into a second draw for another chance to secure a place.”
I got in! What next?
The lucky few who have gained entry will be asked to pay the fee of £69.99 before 4pm on August 1. The fee is £146 for international entrants, including a £20 carbon-offset levy.
If you chose to donate to the London Marathon Foundation, you will have your fee reduced to £49.99.
I didn’t get in through the ballot. Can I still run in the marathon?
Charities offer places to runners who want to take part but did not get a slot through the ballot. You will be required to reach a minimum amount of sponsorship in order to, however. Samaritans is the official charity of next year’s marathon.
The 2024 TCS London Marathon #MyWay also gives participants the chance to earn a medal by completing 26.2 miles on a course of their choice, anywhere in the world, on Sunday, April 21.
Also, those who failed to get into London have the opportunity to enter the 2024 Brighton Marathon, which is on Sunday, April 7.
Finally, if you are a keen runner, you could apply for a ‘good for age’ entry, which will allow top hobby or club runners easier access to the start line.
The qualifying period for the 2024 London Marathon began on October 3 and will end on September 30.
These are the times you will need to achieve for a good age entry.
Age |
Men |
Women |
18-39 |
sub 3:00:00 |
sub 3:45:00 |
40-44 |
sub 3:05:00 |
sub 3:50:00 |
45-49 |
sub 3:10:00 |
sub 3:53:00 |
50-54 |
sub 3:15:00 |
sub 4:00:00 |
55-59 |
sub 3:20:00 |
sub 4:05:00 |
60-64 |
sub 3:45:00 |
sub 4:30:00 |
65-69 |
sub 4:00:00 |
sub 5:00:00 |
70-74 |
sub 5:00:00 |
sub 6:00:00 |
75-79 |
sub 5:15:00 |
sub 6:20:00 |
80-84 |
sub 5:30:00 |
sub 6:40:00 |
85+ |
sub 6:10:00 |
sub 7:10:00 |
