How to get a place on the 2017 London Marathon if you missed out on the ballot – our top tips for securing a place
There is still time to get a place on the starting line even if you were one of the 200,000 who missed out in the ballot
TENS of thousands of runners got the news this week they have won places in the 2017 London Marathon - but at least four times as many have been left disappointed.
A record 253,930 people entered the online ballot when it was open for five days in May.
Organisers pick around 50,000 people at random, knowing thousands of those will drop out before the race on April 23.
But if you missed out in the ballot it is not too late - there are thousands of charity places up for grabs.
Scores of charities have allocated places in the London Marathon and they are all looking for volunteers - whether you are a beginner or a marathon veteran.
All you have to do is promise to raise money for their good cause.
And there is a huge variety of charities to choose from.
Search the charities with guaranteed places on the .
Organisers say you should try to pick a cause that's close to your heart as it will keep you motivated through training - and persuading friends and colleagues to sponsor you.
Then you need to contact the charities direct.
Some say they have already run out of places for 2017, but loads more still have spots up for grabs if you hurry.
How do I apply for a charity place in the 2017 London Marathon?
Each charity has its own application process - usually an online form.
Most will prioritise those who have a close connection to the charity or the cause it supports, and those who promise to raise the most money.
Lots of runners dedicate the effort to family members of friends who have suffered an illness, for example.
Charities have to pay for their guaranteed places so most have a minimum they want runners to raise to make it worth their while.
If you don't hit your target some will ask you to make up any shortfall yourself or ban you from running for them again at a similar event.
But the organisations want you to make as mush as possible and will support you if you are struggling.
Applying to more than one charity increases the chances you will get a place.
What if I have no luck with charity entries?
There are always places reserved for championship runners - members of athletics clubs who have run a qualifying time in another race.
But you have to be seriously good - men are expected to run the 26.2 miles in less than two hours 45 minutes or a half marathon in one hour and 15 minutes.
For women the qualifying times are three hours 15 and one hour 30.
And if all else fails why not enter one of the many other races held across the country?
The Manchester marathon a few weeks before London and the Edinburgh marathon in May are both popular runs - but it is much easier to secure a place.
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