Not even the London Marathon could outrun the effects of coronavirus this year – with the 2020 London Marathon looking a bit different than usual.
For this year’s marathon – taking place today, October 4 after it was postponed from its usual April date – only chosen elite marathon runners – including David Weir, Eliud Kipchoge and Mo Farah (running as a pacemaker) – will take part, running in a closed-loop biosphere around St James’ Park.
For amateur runners, the marathon has decided to turn the event into an inclusive, virtual race, with participants able to take the 26.2 mile course wherever they run through a virtual app.
They’ll have the all day today – Sunday, October 4 – to run, walk or crawl the marathon, but will the marathon return to the huge spectator event it normally is next year?
When is the London Marathon 2021?
The 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 3.
It is a little early to predict just how it will look, with a lot of factors depending on what progress the country has made with a vaccine by then.
Is the 2021 London Marathon ballot still open?
The ballot for the 2021 London Marathon is still open, with UK entrants able to apply online.
The closing date for applications for the 2021 London Marathon is 5pm on Friday, October 9 2020.
Any applications submitted after this time will not be valid.
If you are lucky in your ballot entry, you’ll find out in early January 2021.
MORE: London Marathon 2020: Route, start time, app and how to take part in the virtual race
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