London Marathon 17/4/11

Aimman

Dont forget that the lottery for next year's London marathon is now open, and will most likely fill up quickly

http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/

Think there is a change in the guranteed places, if you dont get in after so many attempts, but its only starting from this year.

rainbow kirby

Ballot has closed again... 125,000 people in the ballot in 1 day. :eek:

Aimman

Wow, thats fast, I got in just in time so. Now I just have to wait for the rejection mail, lol.

Krusty_Clown

Damn, there goes my 5 rejections plan. It'll have to be good for age so!

shels4ever

Aimman wrote: »

Wow, thats fast, I got in just in time so. Now I just have to wait for the rejection mail, lol.

wow that was quick.

plodder

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Ballot has closed again... 125,000 people in the ballot in 1 day. :eek:

Wow! I entered yesterday for the hell of it.

Does anyone know how many places are allocated to the overseas ballot ??

rainbow kirby

No idea. I entered the ballot just for the hell of it, though I think if I ever want to run London I'd be best off trying to get a good for age time and using a friend's UK address!

plodder

London Marathon wrote:

The UK ballot system closed in a record 1 day, 2 days quicker than last year, when it reached 125,000 applicants. The Overseas ballot system also closed in record time having reached 5,500.

Interesting ..

Krusty_Clown

The problem with a good for age, is that you need to send them:
Proof of performance

• A photocopy of your running results, for example a certificate or newspaper clipping. The results will need to be from a marathon completed in 2009 or 2010.

Proof of age

• A photocopy of your photocard driving license, passport or birth certificate.

Please note, only UK residents can apply for a good for age entry into the Virgin London Marathon. If you're applying from overseas you'll need to enter the overseas ballot.

I wonder if they will strike you out, if your driving license, passport or birth certificate highlight that you are not a UK national?! (I know this is different to UK residency).

Daithi BC

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

I wonder if they will strike you out, if your driving license, passport or birth certificate highlight that you are not a UK national?! (I know this is different to UK residency).

Can't see that they could. You're perfectly entitled to be driving around the UK on an Irish driver's licence. All you need is a UK address, and they will send all the correspondence there.

Krusty_Clown

Daithi BC wrote: »

Can't see that they could. You're perfectly entitled to be driving around the UK on an Irish driver's licence. All you need is a UK address, and they will send all the correspondence there.

But all of the good for age entries get reviewed by a EliminateJohnnyForeigner panel, before you even get the application form.

Daithi BC

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

But all of the good for age entries get reviewed by a EliminateJohnnyForeigner panel, before you even get the application form.

Of course, this would be against their rules, and so I wouldn't recommend or condone doing it, but theoretically if you had a family member living in the UK, you could send them your paperwork and get them to put it in an envelope and send it into the marathon with their address. The form comes back out to them. They send it to you, you fill it out and send it back to them, and they send it back into the marathon. Should work.

RacoonQueen

I was going to apply last night. Then I saw the good for age time for women is now 3:50...

liamo123

Dont believe it...2011 ballot now closed!!

village runner

Daithi BC wrote: »

Of course, this would be against their rules, and so I wouldn't recommend or condone doing it, but theoretically if you had a family member living in the UK, you could send them your paperwork and get them to put it in an envelope and send it into the marathon with their address. The form comes back out to them. They send it to you, you fill it out and send it back to them, and they send it back into the marathon. Should work.

Tut Tut boys.............I wonder what is the chance of been turned down under your own name. If on your results it has ireland it would make it dodgy. All my results are ireland so that rules me out going down that road. Plenty of ways to skin a cat though. Meoowww.
I think it aint a patch on berlin tbh.

Krusty_Clown

Woot! My result doesn't mention nationality. Even if it's not as good as Berlin, I'd still like to do it some year, as it's one of the big-5. Not next year though. Have something special lined up for next year (and maybe another stab at Barcelona).

--amadeus--

village runner wrote: »

Tut Tut boys.............I wonder what is the chance of been turned down under your own name. If on your results it has ireland it would make it dodgy. All my results are ireland so that rules me out going down that road. Plenty of ways to skin a cat though. Meoowww.
I think it aint a patch on berlin tbh.

Ack! Totally forgot to reply to your PM on this, sorry!

I know that they are pretty tight on the entry for this but the passport, etc is just for age verification, surely? I lived in the UK for years and held an Irish passport. Drivers licence might be a bit dodgy though as it has your address. I doubt they'd check the stamps to see where the entry's been posted from would they?

I'd like to do London but I'm put off a bit by a couple of things. I think the new GFA targets are quite soft and would think it was "cheating" a bit if I went in under them after trying to get a GFA time in Amsterdam last year. Then there is the whole charity aspect of it, that docuentary, etc.

Main reason though is I'm not sure how easy it would be to actually race it? I know that the main pack have woeful congestion issues but does anyone have any experience of what it's like to race from the GFA pens?

RacoonQueen

I think Peckham ran from the GFA pen?

Daithi BC

I've actually applied in the overseas ballot this year, because it was just a case of filling in an online form. I won't be overly upset if I don't get in, and I'm certainly not going to bother trying to forge a GFA, even though my sister lives in London and it couldn't be that hard. Would be nice to do sometime, but I feel that it's more of an "experience" rather than a race.

dermCu

I started from the GFA pen this year. Across the line in 30 seconds I had no problem with congestion. I used an Irish driving licence both for my GFA application and also at the expo to pick up my number. No hassle there.

For the proof of time all I did was print out a screen shot of a previous result from the website.

If you think the GFA time is too soft and you want a challange go for the championship time - 2:45 or sub 1:15 half !! But you need to be a member of a UK club.

TheRoadRunner

I ran from GFA pen in 2009. As Derm says across the line in 30 seconds and congestion isn't a problem. I sent them a link to my result in Belfast marathon and my (Irish) passport as proof of age. My aunt lives in London so I used her address. The only thing that was tricky was that race entry (28 pounds nice & cheap) had to be paid by cheque and the cheque had to be issued from a bank branch in the UK. I was able to use my aunts cheque book thankfully.

plodder

So, how bad is the congestion if you start with the masses? I know there are three different starts that come together after a few miles, so presumably it takes a good bit longer for the field to spread out. But, I'd be interested to hear just how bad it is.

TheRoadRunner

A friend of mine started with the masses and came to a stand still at 2 miles. First 5-7 miles were a nightmare for him.

Woundedknee.

I've started with the masses a few times now and this was the first year that I had any (small) problems including getting slowing to a walk at mile 2. If you plan on running sub 4hrs and start from the designated pen you shouldn't have any worries about the crowds.

JimWhoIs50

I ran with the masses in FLM 2008 with no problems. I was in the sub-3:30 pen and when they dropped the tape between pens, I worked my way up through the crowd and got over the line after about a minute! No hold-up at all and I didn't hold-up anyone either. It does get a bit busy when the 2 streams converge but again I wasn't held up. On the last 3 miles I was held up badly - in fact I nearly needed someone to hold me up as I hit the wall! Silly lack of gels but I learnt my lesson. Finished in 3:19. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/17921999
I have my GFA from Paris this year but will hold it off until London 2012 (I live in the UK). My feeling is that London 2012 will be very special as it is just before the Olympics. What are the chances of the finish taking place in the Olympic stadium?
Everyone should run the London Marathon at least once as it is something you will never forget. From start to finish the hairs on the back of your neck are tingling with the electric atmosphere. Magic.
So do what you have to do, but get in there.
Jim

Peckham

I ran from GFA pen this year, and the relative luxury they provide you with makes it appealing going this route if available to you. Reserved enclosure at the start to relax and warm-up. More toilets than are actually needed. Volunteers walking round handing out water, tea and coffee. Big marquee to keep you warm and dry if weather is against you. Not having to drop your bag until 10 minutes before the race start, not having to go to the start line until 5 minutes before the gun.....and then less than a minute to cross the start line.

I entered using a UK address using my result from DCM and my (Irish) passport. Posted the entry from Northern Ireland (as they recommended sending it recorded delivery), but this was probably unnecessary.

JimWhoIs50 wrote: »

Everyone should run the London Marathon at least once as it is something you will never forget. From start to finish the hairs on the back of your neck are tingling with the electric atmosphere. Magic.
So do what you have to do, but get in there.
Jim

+1 to all this. One of the most magical experiences of my life (both running and non-running). The memories of coming around Cutty Sark, turning onto Tower Bridge etc. will live with me for the rest of my life. I ran across Tower Bridge with a huge smile on my face, which doesn't normally happen in mile 13 of a marathon.

So magical, that it even compensated for missing my target time!

--amadeus--

dermCu wrote: »

If you think the GFA time is too soft and you want a challange go for the championship time - 2:45 or sub 1:15 half !! But you need to be a member of a UK club.

Ahh, it's not that I think it's too soft as such. I thought where it was was about fair and having (just) missed it in Oct I'd feel like a fraud if I entered now that I suddenly am good for age when I wasn't when I ran the time, if you know what I mean. It's still tighter than Boston I suppose.

And a Championship place... being a member of a UK club would be teh least of my worries about that qualifying standard!

Good to hear that GFA pens are good to race from though, seriously tempting. When does entry close?

plodder

Bump! Just got an email to say the ballot acceptances and rejections are being sent out now. Should know next week, who's got in.

dermCu

Got my GFA acceptance yesterday. Not 100% sure I'll run it yet, just wanted the option.

JimWhoIs50

I got my "Dear John" magazine. I'm out.

Moycullen1

Has anyone in Ireland received their magazines yet. I know the UK entrants got them on Friday but I haven't gotten anything yet.

ELFOYZER

I applied from Ireland too but have had nothing yet. Probably will take a few days to get to the overseas applicants. Fingers crossed...

Aimman

Fingers crossed for this one. I'll be watching the letterbox like a hawk!

In the Woods

I'm in, got an email today. Probably not the best place for a 1st attempt at sub 3 but seeing as how you can't defer your place anymore I'll be giving it a shot in London next April. Bring it.

Aimman

In the Woods wrote: »

I'm in, got an email today. Probably not the best place for a 1st attempt at sub 3 but seeing as how you can't defer your place anymore I'll be giving it a shot in London next April. Bring it.

Well done! Did you get in on the standard internation lottery or through the GFA catagory?

plodder

Still haven't heard myself, but by all accounts the chances of getting in on the ballot, is only about 1 in 6 (assuming the overseas is the same as the domestic one).

Aimman

Just got the email. I wasn't successful due to over subscription.

Probably just as well, as it would

a) interfere with the Connemara training
b) there's too many people running it, I'd feel claustrophobic
c) it will probably rain
d) London is a silly place to have a marathon
e) I didn't want to to the stupid thing in the first place
f) **insert other feeble excuse to make me feel better here**

lol.

Ah well, I'll just try for 2012, but might be too late to make the Olympic team in time.

Ruarl Runner

Email received. That's me rejected AGAIN!!! Turning into a bit of a habit... 3 years on the trot I have received the ''We Regret to ........

Ah well it's back to Connemara for me :-)

ELFOYZER

No luck for me this time - just got e-mail:(

Best of luck to the rest of yis.

plodder

ELFOYZER wrote: »

No luck for me this time - just got e-mail:(

Me too ...

In the Woods

Aimman wrote: »

Well done! Did you get in on the standard internation lottery or through the GFA catagory?

Got in through the lottery, used a mate's address in England and registered from that. Hopefully won't be any problems when I show my Irish passport

Was refused last year so just luck of the draw this year. Think the GFA for me is sub 2:50 (senior male). If that's the case, there was no hope of me ever getting in.

plodder

In the Woods wrote: »

Got in through the lottery, used a mate's address in England and registered from that. Hopefully won't be any problems when I show my Irish passport

Was refused last year so just luck of the draw this year. Think the GFA for me is sub 2:50 (senior male). If that's the case, there was no hope of me ever getting in.

Ya lucky ducker

I doubt there would be a problem with the passport, since you only have to be resident there. But, payment could be an issue. eg. if you use an Irish credit card ...

In the Woods

plodder wrote: »

Ya lucky ducker

I doubt there would be a problem with the passport, since you only have to be resident there. But, payment could be an issue. eg. if you use an Irish credit card ...

Credit card payment went through so hopefully that's it all sorted.

Peckham

In the Woods wrote: »

Probably not the best place for a 1st attempt at sub 3 but seeing as how you can't defer your place anymore I'll be giving it a shot in London next April. Bring it.

It's not the worst place for a sub-3 attempt - it's not particularly hilly, and the massive supporting crowds push you on considerably. The major issue you have is that as a ballot runner you'll be starting down the pack a bit and will have a bit of traffic in front of you. Get there early on the morning and try to get up as close to the front as possible (although depending on what start you're on, you'll have either GFAs or elites and "celebs" in front of you).

In the Woods wrote: »

Got in through the lottery, used a mate's address in England and registered from that. Hopefully won't be any problems when I show my Irish passport

Was refused last year so just luck of the draw this year. Think the GFA for me is sub 2:50 (senior male). If that's the case, there was no hope of me ever getting in.

GFA is up to 3:00:00 for senior male. I also used a mate's UK address and Irish passport when I ran it (GFA) and this caused no problems at all. They'll send all the magazines and confirmation letter to that address, and you'll need to bring the letter to registration to pick up your number.

London is an amazing experience - would be very surprised if any marathon, anywhere in the world tops the atmosphere.

Moycullen1

How come some people got email notification and some got it in the post. I don't remember being asked for a preference. On a separate note isn't it a bit ridiculous that there isn't a list of successful entrants to inspect on the website as with most large marathons.

Oisin11178

No for moi to. By the way the gfa for london is 3.10 now.

Mike D

Is anyone considering the charity option? ie Croi (I think) offer a package if you raise €1500 fr their charity? not sure how if I could raise that much and not sure how I would feel about it either

But I would love to do london and I would have no chance of a GFA even though registration would not be a problem. Lottery is so unlikely.

hf4z6sqo7vjngi

Mike D wrote: »

Is anyone considering the charity option? ie Croi (I think) offer a package if you raise €1500 fr their charity? not sure how if I could raise that much and not sure how I would feel about it either

But I would love to do london and I would have no chance of a GFA even though registration would not be a problem. Lottery is so unlikely.

Yes just got word i have been accepted by one of the charities for London and hope to raise around 2k.

groovyg

Sports Travel International also offer packages to the london marathon, I have never used them so not sure how expensive they are. They will probably be at the DCM expo tmw.
http://web.me.com/conorohagan2/STI/London_Marathon.html

village runner

Around 750-800 for 2 nights hotel race and flight. I spoke to a spanish lad the morning after berlin and its costs them 1400 he told me.

RacoonQueen

Talking about this today, I'm actually considering going for this via Sports Travel International, don't think I'll ever get in via the lottery...and don't actually think I even applied this year anyway.

Anyone ever done a marathon via Sports Travel? It's fairly pricey like.