Latest news with #BrightonMarathon
Times
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Times
I became a marathon runner in my 50s — here are the 7 things I learnt
My lips desert dry, a steady trickle of sweat running into my left eye and my right hip feeling decidedly stiff, I still punched the air with both fists as I crossed the finish line at the Brighton Marathon this month. I was disappointed that my time was a tiny bit over five hours — I'd been hoping to achieve a new personal best and come in between 4hr 30min and 4hr 45min — but I knew my next chance to do so was coming soon. Tomorrow I have a place in the TCS London Marathon and, with that, another shot at breaking my personal record. Not that any of my times date back very far — until a few years ago the furthest I'd
Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
London Marathon 2026 - everything you need to know about applying for a place
Dream of running the 2026 London Marathon? Here is everything you need to know - from cost, ballot closing date, charity places and other options if you are unsuccessful Running 26.2 miles through the iconic streets of London is a test of endurance, but some would say the real challenge is simply getting a place on the start line. Every year, hundreds of thousands dream of pounding the pavements past landmarks like Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. But with demand far outstripping supply, securing a bib for the London Marathon has become almost a competition in itself. Around 56,000 runners took on the 2025 race this weekend, chosen at random from an overwhelming 800,000-plus hopefuls who applied. If you catch the excitement on TV and find yourself thinking you want to apply, good news - you can already start planning your entry for the 2026 event. READ MORE: London Marathon: Joel Dommett shares wild pre-marathon trip as Joe Wicks smiles ahead of race When is the 2026 London Marathon? The 2026 TCS London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 26. The event typically takes place towards the end of April, when the weather is at its peak for hitting the streets of London. How to enter via the ballot The main way for most runners to get into the marathon is through the official ballot. It's famously democratic - and famously tough. Entry is now live on the London Marathon website. If you're successful in the draw, you'll need to pay an entry fee of £79.99 to confirm your spot. When entering, you also have the option to make a charitable donation of £49.99. This money goes to charity, whether or not you secure a place. Those who donate are entered into a second ballot for 3,000 extra places and receive an exclusive training top. The ballot will close at 5pm on Friday May 2, 2025, so make sure you get your name in before then. Option to run the Brighton Marathon If London doesn't work out, there's a consolation prize. Ballot entrants can sign up for the Brighton Marathon, scheduled for April 12, 2026, at a discounted rate of £69.99. It's another iconic marathon experience - this time with sea views at the finish line. For those desperate to run a marathon, this is a great option to avoid total disappointment when the ballot is drawn. Good for age entry If you're a speedy runner, you can try to qualify under the "Good for Age" scheme. Around 6,000 places are reserved for athletes who meet strict time standards based on age and gender. Qualifying times must be achieved between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025. The times are challenging - for example, a man under 40 might need a sub-3-hour marathon - but they offer a reliable way in without relying on luck. Charity places Another route is through charity places. Many organisations have guaranteed entries and will offer them in exchange for a fundraising commitment. However, targets can be high - often running into the thousands - and if you don't hit your target, you might not be allowed to run. Fundraising for a good cause is incredibly rewarding, but it's worth considering the extra time and effort needed alongside your training. What about the elites? At the very top of the running world, elite athletes are offered places directly, sometimes with lucrative appearance fees. Unless you have a world-class personal best under your belt, though, the ballot, good for age, or charity routes are your best bet.
The Herald Scotland
26-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Childhood cancer survivors tackle London Marathon for ‘brighter future'
The three times London Marathon champion said watching her daughter undergo chemotherapy was 'the hardest thing a parent can go through'. Also running is Katie Oates, from Mill Hill, north-west London, who was three when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, a type of blood cancer. Katie Oates said she wants to prove 'childhood cancer doesn't define or control me' (Handout/PA) Her family and friends formed 'Team Katie' and have taken on the TCS London Marathon each year for the last 15 years raising more than £100,000 for Children with Cancer UK. They aim to find kinder treatments for children with cancer and now Miss Oates is 18, she is able to run the marathon for the first time herself. 'I'm running the marathon to give back to children with cancer, offering them hope for better treatments and a brighter future,' she said. 'Every step I take is in honour of the children still fighting and in memory of those who didn't get the chance. Katie Oates, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia aged three, wants kinder treatments for children with cancer (Handout/PA) 'I'm also running to prove to myself that my experience with childhood cancer doesn't define or control me; it has made me stronger. 'This marathon is my way of showing that I am capable of achieving something powerful, not in spite of my past, but because of it.' Brave, a two-metre (6ft 5in) tall bear which weighs 10kg (22lbs), will be carried the whole 26.2 miles on the back of runner James Page. James Page with Brave the bear at the Brighton Marathon (Handout/PA) Mr Page, 42, a father of two from Sidcup, Kent, has already completed the Brighton Marathon with Brave strapped to his back and has raised £10,000 for the 'fantastic' charity. Matthew Taylor's daughter, Olivia, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour aged just 17 months old and became blind shortly after the diagnosis. Mr Taylor, 39, from Sidcup, Kent, wants to give his finisher's medal to Olivia, who is now eight. Matthew Taylor wants to give his TCS London Marathon medal to daughter Olivia (Handout/PA) She is currently undergoing treatment but he hopes she will be well enough to watch him at the marathon. Yogesh Jethani's daughter, Kyra, was just one year old when she was diagnosed. Now 12, she is a cancer survivor and a talented guitarist and footballer who plays for Watford in the Junior Premier League. Mr Jethani, 52, from north London, has been running the marathon for Children with Cancer UK since Kyra rang the bell marking the end of her cancer treatment seven years ago. Yogesh Jethani with his daughter Kyra (Handout/PA) Originally from Manchester, he plans to run in his favourite Manchester City football kit and asked supporters on social media to choose his hair colour for Sunday but said he hopes they do not choose red. GP Simon Heylar, 38, from Brockenhurst, Hampshire, is also running for the charity and has been causing a stir in the New Forest by training in his shark outfit. A young patient from his surgery died recently from recurrent cancer which he found especially heartbreaking as the child was the same age as his daughter. Simon Heylar said people in the New Forest are used to seeing him running in his shark outfit but the local ponies are still wary (Handout/PA) The charity is also being supported by Adrian Wong, 37, from Boston in the US, who works in healthcare and plans to run in a banana suit chosen by his friend's young son who is going through cancer treatment. Every day in the UK, 10 families are given the devastating news that their child has cancer. Children with Cancer UK interim chief executive Amar Naher said cancer remains one of the leading causes of death for children and young people in the UK and the money raised will fund life-saving research and support services for families. Adrian Wong will run in a banana suit chosen by his friend's young son who is having cancer treatment (Handout/PA) The TCS London Marathon is the biggest annual fundraising event for Children with Cancer UK which hopes to raise £3 million towards its efforts to create a world where every child and young person survives their cancer diagnosis. To support Katie Oates, visit: To support James Page, visit: To support Matthew Taylor, visit: To support Yogesh Jethani, visit: To support Simon Heylar, visit: To support Adrian Wong, visit:
ITV News
23-04-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Sussex mental health campaigner to attempt to run from Afghanistan to China
Watch Andy Dickenson's video report A woman from Brighton who battled breast cancer a decade ago is now battling to complete a multi-marathon challenge. Snood Femmeforte, previously known as Sara Cutting, inspired thousands on social media with a daily 'headwear challenge' while overcoming the disease in 2015. Her run, next month, will take her from the border of Afghanistan to China in just seven days - raising money for mental health support. The gruelling journey will span the remote and rugged landscape of Tajikistan - covering over 183 miles (295 km). Combining seven marathons and ultra-marathons, the run represents a physically and emotionally demanding challenge that she is taking on in honour of her friend Mitch, who recently died from suicide. "As someone who has survived breast cancer and faced mental health struggles throughout my life, I am no stranger to hardship," Snood said. "However, this run goes beyond personal achievement - it's a heartfelt tribute to Mitch, whose tragic passing highlighted the importance of raising awareness about mental health. "I'm running this challenge for Mitch. His death was a wake-up call for all of us. He was the kind of person who seemed invincible, yet mental health struggles can affect anyone. "As someone who's fought my own battles with mental health, I know how important it is to speak up, seek help, and be there for others. This run is about showing that no one should feel alone in their struggles." Just weeks ago, Snood completed the Brighton Marathon. "Every step I take, every mile I cover, every donation made, and every person who speaks up about their mental health helps break the silence," the 56 year old said. "I'm running not just for me, but for Mitch, for everyone who feels like they can't talk, and for all those who still need to hear that they are not alone." Snood's Great Silk Run is set to start on May the 10th.
Metro
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Metro
All you need to know about London Marathon 2026 registration before ballot opens
The 2025 London marathon is fast approaching, but those preparing for this year's race may also be looking ahead to 2026. The course, which sets off from Blackheath and took runners past Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Canary Wharf, The Shard and Tower Bridge, finished up at St James's Park. More than 1.25million people have completed the marathon since its start in 1981, with thousands signing up every year, and together runners have raised more than £1billion. And 2026 will likely be no different when the ballot for next year's race opens on Friday. the 2026 London Marathon will be held on Sunday, April 26 next year. Prospective marathon runners can sign up by entering a public ballot, with winners drawn at random. The ballot for the 2026 London Marathon opens on Friday, April 25, and will stay open for a week until Friday, May 2. If you are a UK resident, and choose to donate your entry fee to support the work of the London Marathon Foundation during the ballot process if your entry is unsuccessful, your entry free is reduced from £79.99 to £49.99. If you get offered a place after being successful, if you live in the UK and didn't opt to donate your entry fee when applying, you'll need to pay the full entry fee of £79.99. If you don't get a place in the main ballot, not all hope is lost. You will automatically be entered into a second ballot, and you will at least double your chance of getting a place through that second draw. If you are successful in either the first or second ballot, your entry is prepaid and confirmed. First of all, you'll receive a confirmation email when you apply, as well as a payment receipt if you donate your entry fee. Organisers of the marathon recommend checking your junk folder if you don't see a confirmation email soon after applying. The results of the 2026 London Marathon ballot will be emailed to all entrants in July 2025 – the exact date has not been confirmed. If you are unsuccessful you will receive a 'premium winter running top' which retails at £60, and the money you entered will be donated to the London Marathon Foundation. If you aren't lucky enough to be able to race in London next year, never fearas there are plenty of other options across the UK. More Trending From Manchester Marathon, billed as the flattest and most friendly, to the Great Welsh Marathon offering stunning views of the Llanelli Millennium Coastal Park, there's bound to be another option for you. The Brighton Marathon is held a few weeks before the London Marathon, or you could head to Blackpool and take in all of the seaside resort's tourist spots en route. Edinburgh Marathon is also known for its super-flat route, making it a great option for beginners, or if you want more of a challenge the multi-terrain New Forest Marathon takes you through the heart of the stunning national park. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Map reveals London hotspots feared to have been bugged by Chinese spies MORE: Huge UK festival under threat over environmental concerns as campaigners raise £31,000 MORE: Priced out of the area of your dreams? Try these more affordable postcodes next door
