Good news for disappointed runners, who will be able to put their training to the test with a virtual London Marathon
All London Marathon runners who had a place in this year’s 40th anniversary race have been sent the email below, asking them to take part in a virtual effort over the course of 24 hours on 4 October. Read the email in full:
Dear Runner
After last week’s sad news that the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon will not take place in the way that it has since 1981, we are determined that the spirit of the London Marathon will live on at the virtual event on Sunday 4 October. And we want you to be part of it!
For the first time ever, you’re invited to run the London Marathon your way, joining up to 45,000 runners up and down the country – and across the world – in the virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon, The 40th Race.
Take on the 26.2-mile challenge from your home. You’ll have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to complete it and you can choose if you run , walk or jog – with your loved ones and your community supporting you, joining thousands of runners in a celebration of everything the London Marathon embodies – fun, fundraising, fancy-dress and amazing community spirit!
How do I enter?
As you already had a place in the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon, you can confirm your place in the virtual event via this personalised link, which will take you to your registration page.
The entry fee is £20 for a UK runner (or £20 plus £5 overseas postage and packaging charge for international runners) and we are developing an app with our partner TCS that will enable you to log your 26.2 miles and earn your unique medal and New Balance finisher T-shirt.
Please note even if you take up your place in The 40th race, you will still be able to defer your place to a future London Marathon – in 2021, 2022 or 2023 (whether or not you take part in the virtual event). Please look at our FAQs page and we will email you further details on Tuesday 1 September.
Sunday 4 October
The virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon will take place on Sunday 4 October and you’ll have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds (from 00:00 to 23:59:59 BST) to complete the 26.2 miles, making the event the most inclusive London Marathon ever.
Get creative!
Taking part in the Virgin Money London Marathon, your way, also means you can be creative with the challenge that lies ahead!
You could get dropped 26.2 miles from your home and run back, where a hero’s welcome is sure to await you.
Or why not complete each mile with a different running buddy, sharing the challenge with the friends and family who have supported you through your training so far?
You could get together with a group of friends to walk the 26.2 miles together, or have fun creating a unique course that visits the homes of friends and family and ask them to set up drinks stations for you outside their houses so you can refuel and catch up over an energy bar.
Good for Age, Championship and London Classics eligibility
If you complete The 40th Race, your result may be eligible for you to apply for a Good for Age or Championship place in the 2021 London Marathon and for the London Classics medal. (Please note that you will be asked to provide supplementary evidence if you apply for a Good for Age or Championship place.)
Your exclusive entry window
Your exclusive entry window is open until 17:00 on Monday 17 August so please confirm that you’d like to take part as soon as possible. Entries will open to the general public on Wednesday 26 August – so if you have friends or family who would like to take on the challenge with you, please let them know!
We really hope you’ll take on the unique opportunity to complete the London Marathon your way. See you on Sunday 4 October!
Best wishes
The Virgin Money London Marathon Team
Did you have a place in the London Marathon? Will you be running it virtually? Get in touch and let us know how you did – we’d love to see your pics and your medals!
