When is the London Marathon 2023 and how do you apply for the race?
Thousands took to the streets of London this weekend as the annual London Marathon got underway.
More than 40,000 people took on the 26.2-mile run after Lionesses Leah Williamson, Jill Scott and Ellen White got the race underway.
Kenyan Amos Kipruto won the men’s race, crossing the finish line in 2:04:39, while Ethiopian runner Yalemzerf Yehualaw recovered from a fall to win the women’s race.
An array of famous faces also took on the challenge, including actor Stephen Mangan, Love Island star Greg O’Shea, and Strictly contestant Tyler West.
The date for next year’s race has been confirmed – and you can enter now for the chance to secure your place.
Here’s how.
When is the next London Marathon?
The next London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 23.
This year’s marathon took place in October due to the Covid-19 pandemic which saw the annual event moved for the past three years.
However, 2023 will see the 43rd event return to its traditional spring date.
How can you apply for the London Marathon?
If you want to take place in next year’s race you will need to act fast.
The ballot for 2023 is now open on the London Marathon website allowing prospective participants to register their interest in taking part.
If you want to take part, you must enter before 9pm on Friday, October 7.
You need to submit your name, email address, gender, date of birth, and home address with your application form.
Those entering the ballot also need to provide information about your favourite race distance, your Finisher T-shirt chest size, what brand of running shoe you wear, what sports drink you drink while running, and whether you take part in cycling or swimming at all.
You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted.
The ballot is drawn at random giving everyone who enters the same chance at taking part.
According to the London Marathon website, if you’d like to increase your chances of nabbing a spot, you could opt to donate your entry fee when you enter the UK ballot, as ballot applicants who do this are entered into a second draw.
You can also apply for a charity space alongside your individual runner ballot.
There is both a UK residents ballot and international runners ballot.
The ballot is free to enter but if you’re successful in securing a place, the cost for UK runners to take part is £49.99, while for international runners it is £120, plus a £26 carbon offset levy.
MORE : Man who sprinted to front of London Marathon says it’s his ‘dream come true’
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