London Marathon 2024

So incredibly sad. He had two very young children as well.

Really sad news.

Kelvin won the London Marathon last and it looked like he was heading to break another record.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-68270866

pastapestoparmesan · 04/02/2024 15:49

Isleoftights · 04/02/2024 15:12

The number of accepted applicants is far more than the number who turn up on the start line. Every year 28% (it's a consistent figure over the last 25 years) of those who have paid their money and been allocated a number, don't turn up ! The organisers know this - so allocate far more places, than the number of likely starters.
Interestingly, the percentage of those who start but don’t finish is absolutely tiny.

Yes, only about 1% of starters don't finish; and, the weather makes little difference to that stat. The training is, I suspect, what defeats the 28% - going out running most days, probably by yourself, every week in the dark, cold, rainy nights of winter.

The Hal Higdon plan is great. Enjoy every moment

Hello all, I was lucky to get a club place 2 yrs ago for last year’s marathon. I hurt my knee so was able to defer to this year. Am now taking it very slowly to avoid injury. I’m following a Hal Higdon plan which is pretty much go out and run. No prescribed intervals, hills etc but I include hills anyway. It’s running 4 times a week so this week is 6.5/11.3/6.5km midweek and then long run on Sunday. Did 14 miles yesterday and felt good. Definitely taking the 80/20 approach. Fastest running is parkrun (when I do it) and 2 runs are with club so range from easy to tempo. My downside is strength training so need to pull my finger out!

I only have one suggested race in my plan and that’s a half in 2 weeks. Other than that there is a local 20 mile race but it falls a week earlier than in my plan so needs tweaking. I tried with the ballot for 10 yrs unsuccessfully so was thrilled to get club place. I feel I’ve been waiting for this forever.

Interestingly, the percentage of those who start but don’t finish is absolutely tiny.

The number of accepted applicants is far more than the number who turn up on the start line. Every year 28% (it's a consistent figure over the last 25 years) of those who have paid their money and been allocated a number, don't turn up ! The organisers know this - so allocate far more places, than the number of likely starters.

London next year. Not next week! 😂

@DeepfriedPizza so sorry to hear this.

I feel the same. I’ve had to defer now. Meniscus tear on a slow 5k!! Absolutely gutted and now need surgery next week! Full leg brace and crutches for 6 week!! So sad. Was supposed to be doing Exeter half next week too. My daughters having to do it without me. But she’s deferred London to do it with me next week.

I’ve booked a place for New York marathon as I needed something to look forward to!

Bit late to the party. This will be my second marathon, 11 years after my first. Ballot place that I deferred from last year due to injury.

Feeling very behind in training following illness both pre and post Christmas. Longest run so far 10 miles. So I’m not optimistic on time, just looking to get round and anything under 5 hours I’ll be delighted with.

@DeepfriedPizza so sorry you’ve had to pull out. I was gutted last year. Can you defer to 2025?

@DeepfriedPizza sorry to hear that, you’ll be so disappointed, but you’re doing the right thing.

Wishing you a speedy recovery

Sorry to hear that deep fried.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and to stay injury free for next year.

I’m so sorry to hear that, how gutting. I hope it heals soon and there is always next year

Oh deep fried that’s rubbish I’m so sorry

Late to the party, I have qualified for a Championship place - still yet to pay for it as I was nursing an slight Achilles tedinopathy over Christmas so had a couple of weeks walking/walk-running. Been building back the last few weeks and seeing how it goes before I properly commit. Managed 45 miles total this week and it’s still feeling all good!

this will be my 2nd London, first was way back in 2015 and I haven’t ran a marathon since early 2018 (got my Champs place on a half mara time!) so it kinda feels like my first one all over again!

Welcome @Helprequired5 to the thread.

I saw your running backpack thread, and have commented on it. I wear a Harriers Curbar one on my long runs.

Which charity are you running for? How is the fundraising going?

I'm not running for a charity but I do want to set up a charity page for people to donate to.
It can be done via the TCS website, but the minimum target has already been set which is quite high imo. Does it matter that it doesn't get met? I wanted to set a modest amount that people wouldn't be too intimidated by.

I hope your training is going well.

Can I join too? I have a charity place and this will be my first and only marathon (have done a half) I am also doing it for my 50th! And am very slow - hoping for under 6.30!

Just posted separately about running backpacks for my long runs and for the day itself - does anyone have one they recommend?

Sorry to hear those with illness and injuries, and hope you recover in time.

@Bananaandmarmite that must be so frustrating about yours. Will you be able to defer if you need a significant amount of time off training?

Thanks for the feedback on Runna. I think I'll give it a whirl, but it's a shame about Coopah not being so good, as it's meant to be the official app for London.

A lot of the running Facebook groups I’m on report a lot of problems with Coopah essentially spouting nonsense. I suspect it’s a glorified chatGPT sort of set up from the feedback I’ve heard.

Just got mri results back.
bucket handle meniscus tear and grade 2 mcl sprain!
urghhhhhhh

Ive also picked up an injury. Well, actually I picked it up on my very first run on the marathon plan on NYD, but hadn’t appreciated that it wasn’t more than a normal ache. But then it seized up after my 10km long run last week 😬

Took a trip to the physio yesterday. It’s my hamstring. Must stop neglecting strength training, and I’m ok to run gently. Back next week so hopefully not a big setback. But I have ‘lost’ a weeks training. Frustrating!

@xsquared I also went with Runna and am pleased with it. I wasn’t seeing anyone using Coopah either, which influenced my choice.

@DeepfriedPizza - sorry to hear you have Covid. Hopefully it will be just a week out and then you can gradually get back. I’ve been told you can have up to 3 weeks out without hideous effects to training. Get well soon.