London marathon ballot results

[MissUnderstanding]

Third time unlucky! Ah well, it’s made me glad I decided to aim for a local one this October instead. Anyone in?

[drl212]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear! It must be really tough to get a spot on that race.

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to drl212]

Thanks! It’s a lottery-you put yourself in the ballot and allegedly some people get places. Ill believe it when I see it!!

There’s always next year.

[drl212 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Allegedly...love it...!!! Maybe I'll join you in a couple of years!!

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I got a ballot place in Oct ‘22, so they do exist. Still recovering from the shock mind you 🤔

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

🤣🤣🤣

[misswobble Marathon]

The local one will be just as good and easier to get to. Evry’ cloud ….😀👍👍

I’ll be doing my annual tiny marathon event at the end of November 🏃‍♀️😀

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thank you! I always said I’d only ever go through the training for London, but now I’ve started I’m really excited about October. Plus, if I ever get to do London I might be in a better position to take it on confident of having a good run at it!!

Good luck for November!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

yes, that’s true 😀

Thank you 👍

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

London was going to be my one and only marathon… then I was disappointed with my time… and I also loved the training and the prep, and before long I done another one and I’m signed up for two more… they are strangely addictive. Good luck with your October prep MU

[Fiadh79 in reply to misswobble]

I saw on Facebook that someone did 17 laps of a parkrun course (that parkrun is 2 laps) to make a marathon - so if you can't find one there is always a way!

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Fiadh79]

🤣🤣🤣

That would be more parkruns than I’ve ever done in my life!!!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Fiadh79]

I’ve done a virtual marathon locally in lieu of a postponed event . I’d trained for it so no way was I going to waste my efforts. Did my fastest marathon time before or since 🙂🏃‍♀️ Mind you it was flipping freezing so no hanging about 🥶

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Sorry you didn't get lucky.. x

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you! It’s a shame but there’s always next year! ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to MissUnderstanding]

There is indeed...and lots of things to do on between...like Monsal Half, next April???😉🤸😉

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

That’s a big silver lining! Yes absolutely! If I’d been doing London that would have been a no. Obv it was meant to be!

[Oldfloss Administrator in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Yeayyyyyy! Xxx

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Ah but MU, it can be a training run…

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Oldfloss]

Heheh 🤭

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Sorry you didn't get in, it must be so frustrating x

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you! It’s a shame! At some point, I might try a charity fundraiser and run for a meaningful charity. Loads of people sponsored me for the Bath half and I don’t want to ask them again too soon! Maybe next year, or who knows…maybe I’ll become Good For Age in a year!! I think there’s more chance of being lucky in the ballot than that happening!!!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I remember my sister applying year after year until she said enough was enough, she ran several other marathons and really enjoyed them

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

I’m doing a local one in October and I’m still at the stage of being excited about that! The long runs have just hit 9 miles so plenty of time for the nerves to kick in!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Very exciting, and I love long runs, or at least I did, I'm hoping to build up again eventually

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Wishing you all the best with that! Hopefully it’ll be a good excuse to get to know your new area! I bet you’ll find some super routes!

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Everything and everywhere is much closer than I expected, but it's lovely getting a bit lost running round the roads then realising I know which way to go 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

If it's what you want, never give up and never say never ... but don't waste a single day waiting 🥰

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

That’s such a lovely philosophy! I’m not changing the goal, just the timescale ❤️❤️❤️

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

I didn’t get in either MU, but I’m philosophical about it and will simply keep entering the ballot until I’m lucky or too old to care any more!

I can’t realistically go for a charity place because I’m already doing the Bath Half next March and will be running for my chosen charity then. Probably a bit cheeky to go asking for double! 😅

Enjoy training for your marathon nonetheless. I won’t do one if it’s not London, but I love hearing other people’s tales. 😀

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Maybe we’ll be lucky together and be training buddies! Running the Bath half for charity will be wonderful. I loved it when I did it! Think I need to leave it a few more years before asking for sponsorship again-totally with you on that being a bit awkward!

It’s this one I’m doing…

relishrunningraces.com/bath...

So in the Bath area!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Oh lovely MU, Relish organise fab races. I’ve done the TwoTunnels and Cheddar Gorge! That one looks great fun - bit much with the Cardiff HM and GSR also in October for me to add that one too, but one day!

It would be great to have a LM training buddy! Let’s keep entering. 😀

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

That’s a great set of races!! I’ve heard so many great things about Relish Runs. Hopefully they’ll be great warm ups for London in the future!

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Yippee MU I'm booked on this race too! The 25k option 😊😊

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Fantastic!! It will be like a Forest of Dean reunion (perhaps we might even run into SkiMonday again!) but I hope I’ll make it to the finish this time!!! If training goes a bit wonky, I might do the 25km but hopefully it’ll be the marathon for me. How exciting!!

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I hope you get to do it! Wow marathon!!!! You sound like you're running very well now so I think you'll be fine! I see SkiMonday on Strava every now and then .....

[Week7 Half Marathon]

SNAP!!! Me neither, maybe next year...I Hooe your training is going well for October "local" . I have just looked at the link- looks like a great race/races

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

Did you hear about Severn Bridge not running the HM this year Week7 , just the 10k? They aren’t allowed to use the motorway ☹️ I’m still running the 10k though: can’t keep me off that bridge! 😅

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yes I saw that about SBHM. I haven't entered the 10k yet. My runs have been much reduced for the last couple of months between saying goodbye to pup, work and, more enjoyably running around with daughter who came to visit for a 3 weeks.I ran Monday and all was fine but need to try to work out where I am fitness wise before committing to anything!!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

Oh Week7 I didn’t realise you lost your precious pup, I’m so sorry. 💔

Let me know if you end up entering, it would be lovely to see you for a bit longer this year. 🥰

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank Cheeky. She made it to over 15. We had over 13 years so were really lucky. All was very calm peaceful and as it should be.

Yep will definitely let you know! Think I will try a parkrun there maybe to see how it feels running on the footpaths!

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

Better not ask me - I’m more than a bit biased as I’ve bleated on and on about how SB is my all time favourite PR! 😅

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I hadn't noticed!🤣

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Week7]

Thank you! It’s going really well at the moment. I’m ticking off the miles, the knee is behaving and feeling good! We’ll see what happens if the weather doesn’t get cooler. Think I’m going to have to become a morning person!

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

🤞 the knee continues to behave! Don't worry about the weather, I'm sure the cold and rain will return when the school holidays start!!

[Cowladyrunning Marathon]

I had a no too ....also 3rd time of trying.... and this time I tried the double ballot by paying! Mug!!!

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Aw, sad times! Come and join team me and cheekychipmunks next time around when we’re all going to be lucky!

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Me too. Yet another top!

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Can't remember if I had a top option? Guess it'll be a surprise! I just entered our running club extra ballot too....

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

I’ll be in ours but there’s 2 places for 20k+ runners, so unlikely 😕

[Cowladyrunning Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Oh wow that's a lot. Not sure I deserve it I get ours as I'm a new member who hasn't made it to much yet 🙊

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Yes, we’re one of the biggest clubs in the country. There’s even more if you include the unaffiliated members who are just following on Facebook. Good luck with your ballot, I’m sure you’d make them proud if you got a place.

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Cowladyrunning]

You do get a great training tip though , I’ve seen cheekychipmunks . I would love to apply to get that, but I’d be so embarrassed if I was offered a place after my friends had been applying for years. There’s no way I want to run a marathon.

[TailChaser Marathon]

Nope. Not none of us, Katnap , youngest kitten and myself all rejected. We’re Manchester bound instead, which does make it easier tbf. Sorry to hear you didn’t make it either MU 😟

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to TailChaser]

Glad you’ve got a back up plan-so nice you’re all running together in Manchester. I’ve heard that’s a wonderful race. Commiserations for London though!

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks MU. It would have been nice it one of them had got it, I always feel greedy trying for another one. Commiserations to you too,

[Folkylass]

Sorry you didn’t get in , there’s always next year 🥰

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Folkylass]

Thanks and you’re absolutely right! Next year will be lucky!

[Reggit Marathon]

I didn’t get in either - but then I didn’t enter the ballot this year, I suppose that reduces my chances even more 😛

I have been offered a charity place, however I’ve not taken it up, it’s not long since I pestered everyone I know to sponsor me for Manchester this year and they need you to raise over £2k which I just don’t think I can meet.

Add to that wifey isn’t very keen to lose me to another marathon and the logistics/expense of getting to London and most likely a 2 night hotel stop makes it a very expensive weekend.

I might just have to settle for a half I forgot I’d booked 😂 (Manchester again this October)

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Reggit]

🤣🤣🤣 love this!!

The fundraising targets are pretty chunky ardent they! And the time/financial cost for training. Super sensible to do something else instead. Have fun in Manchester!

[Teresa1632 Marathon]

After 10 years, I'm in. My friend and running buddy who traipsed across Europe with me to do the Superhalf series of runs is also in. I'm still in shock and kept checking to make sure wasn't being scammed...but it's true.I ran for charity this year, and at the finish, said "never again." Only to apply through the ballot hours later 😅. It will be good to run it without the pressure of a massive fundraising target. And treat it like a massive party.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to Teresa1632]

Wow! That’s brilliant Teresa! I’m already looking forward to your race report 🍿🤣

[Teresa1632 Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

🤣🤣🤣 Well, I've completed the registration process, and reserved a hotel room on a "free cancellation" basis (there's confidence for you 😀!). Just need to run it now 🤣🤣

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Teresa1632]

Woo hoo!!!! That’s amazing-congratulations!! Funnily enough the same happened to my friend. She enjoyed her second run much more than ghe first for exactly the reason you’ve said-fundraising on top of training is a heck of an endeavour! Have a wonderful time in London-I will most definitely be waving the pom poms!!

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to Teresa1632]

Whoop 🙌 fabulous Teresa!!

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to Teresa1632]

Whoop whoop- I’m glad someone got in. I read that over 840,000 applied for just 17000 places, so you are very lucky. We will cheer you on both during training and on the big day!

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to Teresa1632]

Congratulations- you have so many pompom wavers here cheering you on!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Were you a little relieved too?

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

It was more of an “oh well, not to be..,” this year. Now I’ve committed to October, having a second marathon to think about would have been a bit more than planned!! It’ probably for the best and I’m sure I can find some other bling to chase after!!!

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

It’s a great plan. By the time you get into London you’ll have done a FM already and so can just enjoy it all 🤗

[BGood]

It really is a lottery ! All our team leaders put in for it and only one has been lucky to get a place! Better luck next time x

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to BGood]

To get one with a place is amazing! My friend told me it was sometimes like 20:1 against getting in this year. Good luck to your team leader!

[00marks Marathon]

Its a no for me as well

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to 00marks]

Sad times! You can join our “let’s be more lucky next year” club! Hope it’s not too disappointing. Will you do something else instead?

[00marks Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Well the plan is to try to run the Boston marathon which is on 21 April. If I had got into London (which is on 27 April) it would have meant running 2 marathons (in different continents) in under a week which is crazy even by my standards.

[TailChaser Marathon in reply to 00marks]

Plenty of crazy people do it though 00 🥸

[Dexy5 10 Miles in reply to 00marks]

Someone from parkrun did that. It put her off running for a while.

[AlMorr Half Marathon]

Unlucky MissUnderstanding, I read that 840,318 runners applied to run the 2025 London Marathon, so around 60,000, will run it, that means you and another 780,318 runners have been a bit disappointed on not being successful for 2025, good luck for 2026

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to AlMorr]

Wow! I knew it was something like that but those numbers make it real!

Thanks for sharing!!

[AlMorr Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I think they still have a virtual London Marathon, meaning that you can run 26.2 miles anywhere at 9.30am on the day of the London Marathon.

[Tessie66 Half Marathon]

I entered it no reply but I'm going to do the Manchester one instead

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to Tessie66]

You should have had a rejection email if you’re not in-it might be worth following up?

[Tessie66 Half Marathon in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I'm just happy I'm doing the Manchester one now but I'll keep checking and pass on it if I did get in .sorry you didn't get in x

[GTFC Marathon]

I'm out too...just can't seem to get in. Never mind, I'll go again next year 🤣🤣🤣

[MissUnderstanding Half Marathon in reply to GTFC]

Another member of the club!!! Good luck to you! Maybe all our members will come up at once and it can be a massive HU meet up. Now that would be good!!!

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

runnersworld.com/uk/news/a4...

This makes interesting reading.