London Marathon runners are set to find out if they have won a place in this year's race.
The 2021 London marathon is set to be the biggest yet with 50,000 places in the race - and another 50,000 places for the virtual event.
Participants can also apply for a charity place for the event. The virtual event allows people to earn the same medal and T-shirt by completing 26.2 miles on October 3 on a route of their choice within the 24-hour window.
Unsuccessful ballot applicants have a priority eight-day window to book a place in the virtual marathon with any remaining places made available to the general public from Tuesday February 16 on a first-come, first-served basis.
The event’s charity of the year Macmillan Cancer Support is hoping runners and supporters will help it to raise “vital funds” so it can recover from the “devastating impact” of the coronavirus pandemic.
Claire Rowney, the charity’s executive director for fundraising, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on our income, at a time when people living with cancer need our support more than ever to help navigate through this anxious period.
“The vital funds raised through runners and supporters of this year’s event will help us continue to do whatever it takes to be there for everyone living with cancer.”
The ballot results for this year’s marathon will be released online for the first time – rather than by post – as the mass event continues efforts to become more sustainable.
Event director Hugh Brasher 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.”
To run the London Marathon for Macmillan, visit here.
