The countdown is on for the 2024 TCS London Marathon! It all takes place on the weekend of Saturday, 20 April and Sunday, 21 April. However, the marathon is about so much more than people running long distances while supporters cheer them on. In this special post, we share five things you should know about the marathon, whether you’re a runner, supporter, or charity.
Please read on and we look forward to seeing you at the marathon!
It’s the Largest Fundraising Event in the World
The first thing to know about the TCS London Marathon is its magnitude and impact. The first London Marathon took place in 1981. Since then, more than 1.2 million people have completed the race; last year, a world-record 578,000 people applied to join the marathon.
The event has been awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque by World Athletics. It’s also become one of the largest annual fundraising events in the world; it even holds a world record for the biggest single day of fundraising. Since its inception, the marathon has raised more than £1.2 billion for various charities. It’s not surprising that the TCS London Marathon presents a significant opportunity for your charity and supporters to raise funds for critical causes.
Drumroll, please: The 2024 Charity of the Year is Samaritans!
Another interesting thing to know about the 2024 TCS London Marathon is the charity of the year: Samaritans. Samaritans’ vision is a world in which fewer people die by suicide. The charity helps reduce the risk factors of suicide, ensures people at increased risk of suicide are supported, and helps decrease the likelihood that people will develop suicidal thoughts. (Rocket Charities has covered some of the critical work of Samaritans in previous posts, including this article about International Men’s Health Week.)
You can view a list of previous charities of the year, including the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (2023), the British Heart Foundation (2022), and Macmillan (2021). You might consider nominating your own organisation to be a future charity of the year. More details are here and the deadline for applications is 24 May 2024.
It’s Not Just For Adults
Marathons are a gruelling endeavour, requiring months of training and preparation. Many outlets suggest 16 to 20 weeks of planning and training. However, since 1986, the London Marathon has offered an inclusive way for people of other ages and abilities to participate via the TCS Mini London Marathon, which takes place the day before the full marathon.
The mini marathon is a unique opportunity for schools and children to be a part of the event and cross the world-famous finish line. The course is shorter (2.6K) and organised by age categories. It’s also been the starting place for now-known athletes including Laura Muir, Keely Hodgkinson, and Josh Kerr—as well as Sir Mo Farah, who won the Mini London Marathon three times!
Not in London? You Can Still Run It Your Way
Despite its popularity, we know there’s several reasons why some people can’t participate in the London Marathon. Perhaps you’re not able to be in the area on 21 April. Perhaps, like many people, you didn’t register in time. Or maybe you’re able to join but you’re not up to the physical challenge of running 26.2 miles in single go. No worries! You can still be a part of this historical event via the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay. As the marathon website states, you can “amble along country lanes” or “power up and over hills” to complete a virtual 26.2 mile marathon, your way. As a bonus and special souvenir, virtual finishers receive a TCS London Marathon finisher medal and a New Balance t-shirt. While entries are sold out for 2024, you can register soon to join the virtual 2025 MyWay marathon.
It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning for 2025
The last thing to know about this year’s TCS London Marathon is that it’s always a good time to think about the next one! As we mentioned above, if you can’t participate in the 2024 marathon due to travel limitations or registration, now is the time to prepare for the 2025 marathon. Registration for the marathon typically begins in mid-April, and with early registration, you’ll have plenty of time to plan and train for your best run, yet to come.
One of the most fulfilling ways to participate is to run for a charity that matters to you. Start your planning now and join up with a charity to both raise funds and achieve a lifetime achievement that you can be proud of. For inspiration, check out this list of charities that will have teams of dedicated runners this year. Pick a charity that means something to you—and get on board now. The extra time will help you not only train your body; it will also enable you the time and focus to raise as much money as possible to support a worthy cause.
We hope this post highlights some interesting new facts about the upcoming TCS London Marathon. We’d love to know how your training is going, and what charity you’re planning to run with. How else are you gearing up for the big day? We wish you the best, and we look forward to seeing many of you later this month.