London Marathon

London Marathon route

One of the biggest running events in the world, and arguably alongside the New York Marathon also one of the most well known. It has been held every spring since 1981, over a largely flat course, and is open to all abilities - Elite, Club, Fun, and Charity runners.

East End Road Runners has many experienced marathoners, several of whom will take part in the London Marathon each year. Being England Athletics affiliated, the club automatically receives annual guaranteed entries, which are available to members both new and old, in a ballot held each November. To take part in this randomised draw for places members must, by the time of the draw, meet the following criteria:

  • Be first claim East End Road Runners.
  • Have been members for at least six months and attended club sessions.
  • Have fully paid any membership/track/other fees due.
  • Be able to prove with the rejection letter they have entered that year's London Marathon ballot.
  • Have formally put their name forward for the draw.

It is expected that anyone entering the draw will have already raced over 10 miles, or be attending the club's Sunday long runs which are specifically targeted at Marathon Training. To ensure fairness, members that are successful in the club draw will need to show that they are likely to benefit from the marathon experience come the Spring. Any runner that in the opinion of club coaches has not trained enough by the January of the marathon year or who is injured will be replaced by a substitute runner.

Good for Age Standards

This table outlines the current standards needed for gaining automatic entry into the London Marathon without needing to enter any ballot. The performance has to have been achieved in the 18 months before applying. The deadline for application is usually in the July preceding the London Marathon for which entry is sought. More information can be found in the Virgin London Marathon good for age entries page.