Press Release - London Marathon - 2/8/21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

                 Runners learn if they have been successful 
                 in 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon ballot

Runners will discover today (Monday 8 February) if they have been 
successful in the ballot for the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon, which 
takes place on Sunday 3 October and is set to be the biggest marathon in 
the world, with an incredible 100,000 people scheduled to take part.

For the first time in the history of the London Marathon, the ballot 
results will be announced digitally instead of through the post. All 
applicants will be emailed a link to the official website to find out their 
ballot result.

The lucky runners will be able to complete their registration and confirm 
their place in the world-famous Virgin Money London Marathon, which will 
return in 2021 in its traditional format, from Blackheath to The Mall, with 
a record 50,000 starters.

All is not lost for the unlucky ballot applicants, as they can approach a 
charity for a place, or sign up for the second virtual Virgin Money London 
Marathon and complete the 26.2 miles on the course of their choice any time 
from 00:00:00 - 23:59:59 BST on Sunday 3 October.

The unsuccessful ballot applicants have a priority eight-day window to book 
a place in the virtual marathon, which set a world record for the biggest 
virtual marathon in 2020 with just under 38,000 finishers. Fifty-thousand 
places are available in the virtual event this year with any remaining 
places made available to the general public from Tuesday 16 February on a 
first-come, first-served basis.

The move to a digital ballot announcement aligns with event organiser 
London Marathon Events' continued commitment to leading the way in 
delivering sustainable mass-participation events.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon, said: "We 
know there will be many people celebrating today but we also know there 
will be many more who, unfortunately, were unsuccessful in the ballot. 
However, this is the best chance yet to be part of the Virgin Money London 
Marathon because 2021 is set to be the biggest marathon in the world. 
Unsuccessful runners can sign up to run for a charity or for our virtual 
Virgin Money London Marathon, which promises to be another amazing day in 
our history.

"We wish all applicants the very best of luck as they find out their 
results today."

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