London Marathon 2019

robinph

Before the 2018 thread gets confused with questions on how to enter the 2019 event I figured it's already time for the new thread even before everyones legs have recovered from this year.

The 2018 incarnation of the thread can be found here:
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057733903

How to enter London 2019, main methods used by people here in bold:

Elite entry - run superfast and be invited.
Championship - run sub 1:15 half or sub 2:45 full for men, or sub 1:30 half or sub 3:15 full for women. Must also be a paid up member of a UK Athletics affiliated running club. Not all UK running clubs are affiliated to the correct body.
Good For Age - run one of the times listed on this page appropriate for your age category and have a UK address. They don't care about nationality, just that you have a UK address and the time. You need to apply for this between 1 August 2018 and 16:00 on 10 August 2018 and must have run the qualifying time between 1 January 2017 and 10 August 2018. New for this year is that getting the time will not guarantee a place anymore and the places will be limited to 3000 male and 3000 female. They have not fully described how they will assign these places if over subscribed, but expect it to be along the lines that they remove the slowest qualifying times from each age group until they reach the limit of 3000 entries.
They actually recommend that people applying for GFA places for 2019 also enter the ballot as GFA is not guaranteed. This will barely increase you chances of getting a place but if you are only just inside your qualifying time is probably a good idea.
Ballot - enter the UK ballot. Again you'll need a UK address, but time doesn't matter. https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/how-to-enter/ballot-entry/
Ballot must be entered between Monday 30 April and 17:00 on Friday 4 May
International Ballot - enter the overseas ballot. Less places available but worth a punt, you should be able to get away with entering the UK and overseas ballot without being noticed once you have appropriate address details for both entries. Same entry dates, Monday 30 April and closes at 17:00 on Friday 4 May.
Charity - find a charity who has places, convince them you can raise the cash, they give you a place. Will probably be in the region of a couple of thousand pounds you'd need to raise.

It's great just being able to copy and paste the post from one year to the next.

robinph

As this is relevant to how the new GFA places will be allocated this is a re-post from the 2018 thread of the numbers I pulled from the 2017/18 results. Also of note is that elsewhere on the internet someone had managed to pull numbers from RunBritain for all UK marathoners in 2017 in the SM category and there were about 1900 sub 3 times. This makes the 3000 limit a bit closer to being hit than based on just the VMLM numbers, but there will still be a significant number of Championship entries within those numbers:

---

Here is the number of Men running the new GFA standard in 2017 and 2018. Numbers seriously impacted by the heat, but the good news is that the 3000 per gender limit may not be such an issue after all, especially as 500+ of the 2017 GFA times were within the Championship standard so can mostly be excluded.
|Men|2017 Men|2018 Men
18-39|sub 3:00|1093|711
40-44|sub 3:05|541|277
45-49|sub 3:10|407|234
50-54|sub 3:15|302|150
55-59|sub 3:20|138|64
60-64|sub 3:45|103|81
65-69|sub 4:00|58|33
70-74|sub 5:00|83|57
75-79|sub 5:15|?|?
80+|sub 5:30|?|?
Total GFA||2725|1607


The results were not playing ball for me to get the Womens times, and they don't separate out the V70+ categories.

corcaigh07

Is it worth a chance to apply with a friend’s UK address or Parcel Motel address?

I don’t live in the UK, at all!

opus

I did that once with a friend in Scotland, she paid the entry fee then with a uk cheque & all correspondence went through her address so all looked kosher. Not sure if that still works though as they seem to have got more picky.

rainbow kirby

I'm in - deferred ballot place. Judging by the weather this year I'm lucky I wasn't running!

5th marathon, 2nd London. Got ballot places on my 6th and 7th ballot attempts.

I am slow and fat, training with 2 kids under 3 and aiming to beat my 2017 time of 4:53.

diego_b

I will entering via the ballot again this year, presumably to a third or fourth (not sure, I've lost count) rejection. Wish the results were out quicker which least with the Berlin rejection it didn't seem to take so long. In better news if those GFA times hold steady (and I don't improve/disprove) I'll be lining up for London 2042....nice. Surely the odds on the ballot will work on my favour before then.

robinph

I'm also in already with a deferred GFA place.

I will need to have a decent run in London 2019 as my current times won't count for 2020, and whatever time I run in my backup marathon this coming June will count as an age group below what I'll actually be in 2020. If I can get a time in 2019 though that will be in the correct age group for the following year and I'll gain 5 extra minutes to make getting a place a tiny bit safer.

This is the first time since I first got GFA qualification that I don't actually have a current valid time for the next two years already in the pocket at the end of April.

RunRoryRun

Will be my 9th year of ballots - one success in 2015. A few of those years are doubles - UK & International. Worth the try every year! I'll wait with eager anticipation for the October results! !!!!

TFBubendorfer

I've signed up for my annual rejection email ....

I prefer the Berlin ballot. At least there's a realistic chance of being picked as an overseas runner (mea culpa. I should have started running whilst still living in the UK)

scotindublin

Same for me annual rejection application submitted. Must find out what constitutes as proving a UK address; even after all my years hear I still have a bank account which may be sufficient for proof!

Two rejections instead of one.

positron

Signed up twice (overseas and parcel motel) exactly as last year. Now the long wait for rejection emails!

Calvin Johnson

TFBubendorfer wrote: »

I've signed up for my annual rejection email ....

I prefer the Berlin ballot. At least there's a realistic chance of being picked as an overseas runner (mea culpa. I should have started running whilst still living in the UK)

Surely you have a GFA time?

opus

Threw my name in the hat as well.

diego_b

In for the overseas ballot, now to plan for the actual spring marathon I'll run instead of London!

Unthought Known

scotindublin wrote: »

Same for me annual rejection application submitted. Must find out what constitutes as proving a UK address; even after all my years hear I still have a bank account which may be sufficient for proof!

Two rejections instead of one.

UK ballot entry in. I....erm.... still live at home with my mum.

Glencarraig

scotindublin wrote: »

Same for me annual rejection application submitted. Must find out what constitutes as proving a UK address; even after all my years hear I still have a bank account which may be sufficient for proof!

Two rejections instead of one.

I was in London this year as a GFA. I was just asked to provide proof of identity (Irish passport), proof of residence (Council tax bill) and my proof of finish time in a recent marathon which was Dublin 2017. If you are familiar with the "shop" that does "photo" then you will have no problems.

mashavsl

Hey guys.
Applying for the first time. Could you please clarify, if I live in Ireland, do I need to enter as an Overseas? I don't want to use travel agency for my trip.

Can use my friend's address in the UK or Parcelmotel address?
Cheers!

RunRoryRun

mashavsl wrote: »

Hey guys.
Applying for the first time. Could you please clarify, if I live in Ireland, do I need to enter as an Overseas? I don't want to use travel agency for my trip.

Can use my friend's address in the UK or Parcelmotel address?
Cheers!

Much greater chance of success with UK Ballot entry (use friends address I reckon). And if you've a second email address, why not chuck in an overseas entry too!!!!

average_runner

Will enter with an international and uk address. Will still get my annual rejection letter.

chinguetti

Done and awaiting my usual fate in October.

colin32

I'm in again, for the usual no vote. Not sure how many years it's been a no

I may have asked this in previous years but where's best to book a hotel? Would close to the finish be the best option?

average_runner

I am now in the international and domestic ballot.

So two rejections for me.

tmh106

I am now in the Overseas ballot - does anyone know how many places are actually allocated to the Overseas ballot?

I notice on the terms and conditions that it says having two entries will disqualify you? Does that apply only if you enter twice into the same ballot (i.e. twice in Overseas ballot or twice in UK ballot). And has anyone entered UK ballot using NI Parcel Motel address, or are they wise to that?

Thanks.

Glencarraig

colin32 wrote: »

I'm in again, for the usual no vote. Not sure how many years it's been a no

I may have asked this in previous years but where's best to book a hotel? Would close to the finish be the best option?

Area around the finish is manic all day, tubes jammed. You will get free travel up to 17.00 on marathon day if you show your number. Earls Court/Fulham area is grand.

village runner

Glencarraig wrote: »

Area around the finish is manic all day, tubes jammed. You will get free travel up to 17.00 on marathon day if you show your number. Earls Court/Fulham area is grand.

Ibis in Earl's Court if booked early normally is a steal

Glencarraig

village runner wrote: »

Ibis in Earl's Court if booked early normally is a steal

Yep thats where I stayed this year, great value if booked early. Excellent breakfast and they do a big pot of porridge on marathon morning. Breakfast is available from 5.30am if you are up that early

noelearly

I'm I right in saying that I can enter the overseas ballot and try the GFA in August (do i need UK address for this?

robinph

You do need a UK address for the GFA entry. If you are 5 minutes or more within your qualifying time though you should be OK with getting a place, remember though that it is your age when you ran the time that will count for what category you are in. Not the age on London Marathon day in 2019.

I entered the International Ballot. Seems from what I've read here, that I'm wasting my time.
Must look up a couple of other international marathons for around March/April

adrian522

Deleted User wrote: »

I entered the International Ballot. Seems from what I've read here, that I'm wasting my time.
Must look up a couple of other international marathons for around March/April

Rotterdam, Barcelona, Paris are good options around that timeframe apparently.

sideshowbob321

Deleted User wrote:

I entered the International Ballot. Seems from what I've read here, that I'm wasting my time. Must look up a couple of other international marathons for around March/April

Ran Manchester this year
Would recommend

Pros - Fast, flat, cool weather, cheap to get to

Cons - full of Mancs

ISOP

Rome is a good one

rainbow kirby

I loved Barcelona when I did it years ago.

Murph_D

robinph wrote: »

You do need a UK address for the GFA entry. If you are 5 minutes or more within your qualifying time though you should be OK with getting a place, remember though that it is your age when you ran the time that will count for what category you are in. Not the age on London Marathon day in 2019.

5 mins within? Do you mean 5 mins faster than the announced GFA?

robinph

Murph_D wrote: »

5 mins within? Do you mean 5 mins faster than the announced GFA?

Yes, that is what London Marathon were quoted as on Twitter I think saying they thought being 5 minutes quicker would be safe. I think it won't even be that much of a cushion needed.

Hoping that the Marathon Investigation guy will be able to work some magic on the numbers when issued to figure out what the qualification times actually were. Although the quantity of GFA runners might not make the work worth doing compared to Boston.

kilns

Or Valencia slightly earlier in December

bigslice

Was in Kraków at weekend and it’s a great city. Seen that had their marathon on same day as London and had about 5,000 entries.

Anyone in these parts ever do it?

robinph

So there were 414168 ballot entries for about 20000 places. Good luck.

Slow_Runner

robinph wrote: »

So there were 414168 ballot entries for about 20000 places. Good luck.

That's a 21:1 shot, (10:1 for some) not 2nd odds when you think of it like that. What's the break down of British to international entries out of curiosity?

robinph

The numbers of UK entries was 386000 ish I think.

robinph

Well I've got my 2019 place confirmed and paid for now, if you deferred your entry then check your email boxes.

Now this weekend I've to run my backup marathon and try to secure myself a time for 2020.

highlandcow

Hey folks,

A few questions if you don't mind...

1) Do you know what qualifies as a valid utility bill for UK GFA entry? Do you have to provide proof of this when applying in August or just at package pick up on the weekend of the race?

2) I've heard a few folk mention deferred entry. If I get into 2019 but chose to run a different race could I out London off until 2020?

Just all hope at this stage. 30s under GFA so not confident that'll do it. Typical they change the standards the year I make them. Cheers, HC

Glencarraig

highlandcow wrote: »

Hey folks,

A few questions if you don't mind...

1) Do you know what qualifies as a valid utility bill for UK GFA entry? Do you have to provide proof of this when applying in August or just at package pick up on the weekend of the race?

2) I've heard a few folk mention deferred entry. If I get into 2019 but chose to run a different race could I out London off until 2020?

Just all hope at this stage. 30s under GFA so not confident that'll do it. Typical they change the standards the year I make them. Cheers, HC

They will look for proof when you apply. I used a council tax bill but a leccy or water bill will also do, I cant imagine they will check up on you. When and if you are accepted they will post an acceptance magazine and letter to you, dont worry about the mag, its just full of adverts for charities looking for runners. The final instructions and your race number will be emailed to you. It's probably best to use a gmail address and give them a UK phone number so the entry looks normal for a UK resident. No problem about having an Irish passport, you can be Irish and be a UK resident!

highlandcow

Glencarraig wrote: »

They will look for proof when you apply. I used a council tax bill but a leccy or water bill will also do, I cant imagine they will check up on you. When and if you are accepted they will post an acceptance magazine and letter to you, dont worry about the mag, its just full of adverts for charities looking for runners. The final instructions and your race number will be emailed to you. It's probably best to use a gmail address and give them a UK phone number so the entry looks normal for a UK resident. No problem about having an Irish passport, you can be Irish and be a UK resident!

Brilliant, cheers. Is that a hard copy or off when you apply? I assume a pdf if it's an online application?

robinph

Regarding the deferred entry, those rules will be changing slightly for GFA between 2019 and 2020.

For example if your qualification standard for 2019 is sub 3, but to get a place you need to run 2:55 which you manage for 2019. Then you defer to 2020 you will now need to re run a qualifying time to regain your place, but you would only need to run the sub 3 and not the potential faster time that would be needed for other GFA runners in that age group.

rainbow kirby

Paid for my deferred entry today. *cracks knuckles*

Glencarraig

highlandcow wrote: »

Brilliant, cheers. Is that a hard copy or off when you apply? I assume a pdf if it's an online application?

Yep all done online, scan and attach all documents.

Younganne

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Paid for my deferred entry today. *cracks knuckles*

I can't get into my account using the link in the email received for deferred entries. It keeps saying invalid account even though its letting me change my password....will try again tomorrow

Younganne

Younganne wrote: »

I can't get into my account using the link in the email received for deferred entries. It keeps saying invalid account even though its letting me change my password....will try again tomorrow

After 3 days of trying I got sorted. Now just to get back running and start building up again.
5m on grass last night for only the second time this year at that distance. Its going to be a long way back!!!!:eek::eek:

rainbow kirby

^ Welcome to my world... 2 stone overweight, chasing a 4 month old and a 2 year old and broke a bone in my toe 4 weeks ago. If I can get to the stage of having a decent run in April it will be an absolute miracle.

Q7

Good for age entry opened today. You have until 10th August to register. They will let you know if you get a place before 13th August. As well as reducing the qualifying times for next year you are not guaranteed an entry if you meet the qualifying time. Will depend on numbers applying for GFA.

https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/en-gb/how-to-enter/good-age-entry/