Buy your weekday smoothies and get your weekend ones for free. (7 for the price of 5!)
WELLNESSWEEK
What It Takes To Run the London Marathon
Around the world, preparations will be underway for thousands to run this year's TCS London Marathon on Sunday, 21st April. Not many though may think about the preparations behind the scenes and sheer enormity of the world's biggest annual one day fundraising event.
This year, Neatcleats/ Zpurs will once again be attending the Expo ahead of the event and we caught up with the Charity Partnerships team at Marathon House to gain some insight into the mammoth task ahead of them.
When was the first London Marathon?
29 March 1981
When did charities start to get involved?
Charities have been involved in the London Marathon since it started in 1981
Roughly how much is expected to be raised?
It's challenging to predict how much will be raised for the 2024 TCS London Marathon as we're just finalising the exact total for the 2023 event. In 2022, charities raised £58.3 million, and we anticipate this figure to be higher for the 2023 event and even more so for the 2024 event.
29 March 1981
When did charities start to get involved?
Charities have been involved in the London Marathon since it started in 1981
Roughly how much is expected to be raised?
It's challenging to predict how much will be raised for the 2024 TCS London Marathon as we're just finalising the exact total for the 2023 event. In 2022, charities raised £58.3 million, and we anticipate this figure to be higher for the 2023 event and even more so for the 2024 event.
The London Marathon is the world’s biggest annual one day fundraising event and we are anticipating an incredible year in terms on fundraising.
How many charities take part?
Over 1000 charities take part in the event each year, but as people also fundraise for charities who don't have packages with us, this number of total charities could be much higher.
How many people do you expect at the London Marathon?
More than 48,000 participants took part in the 2023 event . This year, we're aiming for close to 50,000 participants, but due to the dropout rate, it's difficult to predict at this point in time.
What must people do to get a place with a charity?
People can visit our 'Run for charity' page, where they can find all the charities participating in the TCS London Marathon. They can choose a charity that represents a cause close to their heart and fundraise for them.
How many charities take part?
Over 1000 charities take part in the event each year, but as people also fundraise for charities who don't have packages with us, this number of total charities could be much higher.
How many people do you expect at the London Marathon?
More than 48,000 participants took part in the 2023 event . This year, we're aiming for close to 50,000 participants, but due to the dropout rate, it's difficult to predict at this point in time.
What must people do to get a place with a charity?
People can visit our 'Run for charity' page, where they can find all the charities participating in the TCS London Marathon. They can choose a charity that represents a cause close to their heart and fundraise for them.
Ballot place runners can also select a charity they wish to fundraise for by visiting the link above.
When is the best time to apply to run the London Marathon?
People can enter the TCS London Marathon ballot, which opens on Saturday 20 April 2024, by visiting our website. The closing date for the ballot has not been confirmed yet, but we advise keeping an eye on the website for further updates.
For charities, there's currently no opportunity to secure TCS London Marathon charity places. However, in 2025, there will be an opportunity to purchase the new Gold Bond scheme we're introducing for the 2026 TCS London Marathon and beyond. We plan to offer a package to new charities who do not have places in the event through a ballot. Our team is finalising the offering, and once it's ready, we'll reach out to charities. Interested charities are advised to complete our online opportunities form to receive updates.
When is the best time to apply to run the London Marathon?
People can enter the TCS London Marathon ballot, which opens on Saturday 20 April 2024, by visiting our website. The closing date for the ballot has not been confirmed yet, but we advise keeping an eye on the website for further updates.
For charities, there's currently no opportunity to secure TCS London Marathon charity places. However, in 2025, there will be an opportunity to purchase the new Gold Bond scheme we're introducing for the 2026 TCS London Marathon and beyond. We plan to offer a package to new charities who do not have places in the event through a ballot. Our team is finalising the offering, and once it's ready, we'll reach out to charities. Interested charities are advised to complete our online opportunities form to receive updates.
We're also considering bringing back the Charity Ballot for the 2025 event. This package is different from the Gold Bond and offers charities a single place in the event for one year. However, this decision hasn't been finalised yet, and charities can express their interest in this package by completing the opportunities form.
How can people go about training for it?
While there are numerous training plans available for the TCS London Marathon on the web, participants can visit our website and download our meticulously crafted training plans. The training plans have been categorised into three levels, each tailored to a different level of running ability.
Is there an age limit?
How can people go about training for it?
While there are numerous training plans available for the TCS London Marathon on the web, participants can visit our website and download our meticulously crafted training plans. The training plans have been categorised into three levels, each tailored to a different level of running ability.
Is there an age limit?
Participants must be 18 years of age or over by Event Day.
So whether you are training for the event or running the show, we wish everyone well for this year's TCS London Marathon event and if you are running, be sure to come and see us at the stand when you register!