General entries open for first ever virtual Virgin Money London Marathon
Entries open today (Wednesday 26 August) for a unique chance to take part in the first virtual edition of the Virgin Money London Marathon, the world’s most popular marathon, on Sunday 4 October.
Following the announcement on 6 August that the London Marathon could not take place in its usual format, everyone who had a place in the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon had an exclusive window of six days to confirm if they would like to take up a place in the virtual event, in addition to deferring their place to a future London Marathon in 2021, 2022 or 2023.
Now runners across the UK – and worldwide – are invited to join up to 45,000 others in the virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon – and complete The 40th Race – Your Way.
Participants have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to run, jog or walk the 26.2 mile distance, anytime from 00:00 to 23:59:59 BST on Sunday 4 October. A new app is being developed with technology partners TCS to enable participants to log their 26.2 miles and earn the unique finisher medal and New Balance finisher T-shirt.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director for the Virgin Money London Marathon, said:
“This is the most inclusive London Marathon in our 40-year history and we believe The 40th Race will epitomise the extraordinary spirit of the London Marathon which makes it the greatest marathon in the world.
“With 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds to complete the 26.2 mile distance, we know we will see a huge range of creative marathon attempts, with fun, fancy dress, fundraising, and community spirit at the heart of the day.
“London is the most popular marathon in the world with more than 467,000 people applying for a place in the ballot for the 2020 event. The response to the virtual event from participants and charities that had places in the original event has been huge and we encourage everyone taking part to fundraise for the charity of their choice. Right now, many vulnerable sectors of society are dependent on help from charities at a time when charity income has been decimated.”
The Duke of Sussex, Patron of The London Marathon Charitable Trust, said:
“For four decades The London Marathon has been an exciting and important feature in every charity’s calendar. People travel from all over the world to not only run in this awe-inspiring race, but also to raise vital funds for the organisations and charities that mean so much to them. The money raised at this one single event can be transformational in helping the people in our communities who need it. While Covid-19 has forced plans to change, we all hope there can still be an opportunity for everyone to get involved in some way and discover the London Marathon spirit wherever you are in the world.”
