london marathon

[what..the?]

i thought the ballot opened on the 6th just been on and it opened on the 4th and is closed already BT cut my intermet yestereday too. Is this right then ...did it open of the day it was supposed to or early?

[janbee]

it opened on the 4th. You can always enter through a charity then you are guaranteed a place.

[what..the?]

oh it's such a shame because it wont even count this year regards the 'apply for 5 years a get a place automatically on your 5th year rule' Applied last year so will have to wait 6 years for that rule to apply now.

[what..the?]

I would enter charity but can never raise the funds tried all last year and failed to get sponsors.

[janbee]

Yes that's the great down side to doing it THROUGH a charity. I always do them FOR a charity. All the charities want a deposit and then a GUARANTEED minimum amount. The big charities like Cancer Research ask for so much as a guaranteed amount. It's almost impossible for most people to raise thousands.

[what..the?]

whats the lowest amount do you know a charity has asked for? I was trying starlight last year but 3k was too much? do they vary alot?

[JackDanielsU]

They are stopping the 5 years of entering and then you get a place, its being gently phased out I think, so the people who have tried the last 3-4 years etc still get a chance I think

As for charities, it may be best to try the "smaller" ones in your area, and as for sponsors hit your workmates, get the local pub, school involved, facebook friends etc