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FAQs

FAQs

Your Virgin Money London Marathon questions answered

Got a question about the Virgin Money London Marathon? Take a look at our list of frequently asked questions that we’ve compiled to help tackle the most common queries our participants, supporters and charities have.

The Virgin Money London Marathon ballot

  • The ballot for the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon opened on Sunday 4 October and was available for six days, until 17:00 on Friday 9 October. It is now closed.

    Everyone who entered the ballot will find out whether or not they have been successful during the week commencing Monday 8 February.
  • If you have a disability and require assistance with the online entry process, please contact our Customer Services team, who will be happy to help you complete your entry.
  • It is a totally random ballot with no weighting – just like the draw for the National Lottery.
  • All applicants who have been successful in the ballot and offered a provisional place in the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon will be sent a link to pay the entry fee within the timescales advised when the ballot results are announced during the week commencing Monday 8 February. Applicants who chose to bequeath their entry fee and are then successful do not need to make any further payment.
  • Put simply, the numbers were so big it became mathematically impossible. The scheme ended in 2010 as it was becoming impossible to offer a guaranteed entry to everyone who had applied unsuccessfully in the ballot for five successive years. This was a scheme offered by us, the organisers, and not by a sponsor.
  • It is a totally random ballot with no weighting. However, ballot applicants are asked if they would like to bequeath their entry fee to the London Marathon Charitable Trust if they are unsuccessful. All applicants who bequeath their entry fee and do not get a place are then entered into a random Lucky Bequest draw of another 2,000 places.
  • No, it is not possible to refund a bequeathed entry fee. You made the decision to bequest your entry fee during the entry process. This meant you were additionally entered into the Lucky Bequest draw and an exclusive training top was ordered and made for you. The terms and conditions that you accepted during the entry process clearly state that no refunds are given.
  • We do not disclose details of the ballot process for any of our events as it is commercially sensitive information. The number of places available through the ballot varies each year depending on the number of runners who qualify for Good For Age places and the number of entries that are deferred from the previous year.
  • There are a number of ways to enter the Virgin Money London Marathon.

    Every year a small number of places are offered through competitions on our social media channels and those of some sponsors and partners, so make sure you follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to be in with a chance to win.

    You could also try to secure a charity place, or enter the virtual Virgin Money London Marathon and run 26.2 miles in 24 hours, wherever you are.

Taking part

  • You must be 18 years old or over.
  • Places in the Virgin Money London Marathon are not transferable under any circumstances.

    Anyone attempting to run using another person’s entry will be disqualified and banned for life from the London Marathon and all other events organised by London Marathon Events Ltd.
  • We do not operate a waiting list. The number of entries we accept each year is calculated in the knowledge that a certain percentage of runners will drop out. This percentage is very consistent year on year.
  • You need to let us know as soon as possible by completing the withdrawal form – pleas see our Deferred Entry page for more information. A number of entry types are eligible to defer to the following year.
  • If you have a confirmed place and require a guide or support runner, please contact us and we can advise further.
  • No – the event is run under British Athletics, World Para Athletics and IAAF rules, which clearly state that the marathon is an athletics event and only a recognised racing wheelchair or day chair is permitted.
  • Please contact us to tell us which of your details are changing. Our Customer Services team will then let you know once the change has been made.

Questions from charities

  • We hold a Charity Ballot so that charities that do not have Golden or Silver Bonds can apply for entries. Every charity that is successful in the ballot receives one entry.
  • The closing date for the completion of all charity entries on the entry console for the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon will be announced in due course.
  • A charity may reallocate a charity entry to another participant prior to the closing date of the entry consoles. Before this date, a charity may delete the original participant from the entry console and allocate the running number to another participant.

    It is not possible to reallocate a charity entry after the closing date under any circumstances.

Contact us

FAQs

    • How to follow

      All your options for watching the inspiring spectacle that is the Virgin Money London Marathon

      Find out how to follow the 2021 race

    • Conditions of Entry

      Please read our general Conditions of Entry before applying to take part in the Virgin Money London Marathon

      Read the Ts&Cs

    • Contact Us

      Get in touch with us

      Get in touch

    • How to follow

      All your options for watching the inspiring spectacle that is the Virgin Money London Marathon

      Find out how to follow the 2021 race

    • Conditions of Entry

      Please read our general Conditions of Entry before applying to take part in the Virgin Money London Marathon

      Read the Ts&Cs

    • Contact Us

      Get in touch with us

      Get in touch

    • How to follow

      All your options for watching the inspiring spectacle that is the Virgin Money London Marathon

      Find out how to follow the 2021 race

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