Marathons in the UK During 2009

Detailed Information on the Major Long-Distance Runs in Britain

Dec 12, 2008 Marc Latham

This article provides details about the dates, times, courses and application procedures for the London, Edinburgh and Loch Ness marathons: the UK's three full marathons.

Running a marathon, or a shorter distance race, can be one of the greatest achievements of a person's life. There are several options for those who want to apply for a race in the United Kingdom.

The London Marathon

The first UK marathon of 2009 is the London event on Sunday, April 26th. The London marathon has been run annually since 1981, with the course meandering through the centre of England’s capital city and notable landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

The race is now one of the World Masters events, alongside Boston, Chicago, New York and Berlin.

Interest in the race is therefore high, and it attracts the best athletes in the world. As capacity is limited to 46,500 runners an online ballot is held each year, and only successful applicants can take part. This is closed for the 2009 event.

However, at the time of writing there are still places available for applicants who can raise money for charity. Charities allocate tickets provided to them by the race organisers to runners who pledge to match the donation requirements. Information about this is available at: http://www.realbuzz.com/charity-listings/flora-london-marathon

Similarly, for overseas applicants there are still ‘Entry and flights’ packages available at: http://www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk/

The Edinburgh Marathon

The second UK marathon of the year will take place on Sunday, May 31st. The Edinburgh marathon was reintroduced in 2003 after a seventeen year absence. The course mixes history with nature, with the start of the run passing famous landmarks such as Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle, before the later stages take runners alongside Portobello Beach.

Interest in the race has therefore increased with each passing year, and is this year up 100% on last year. 16,500 entrants are expected in the 2009 marathon and the Hairy Haggis Team Relay: 12,500 marathon entrants and 4,000 relay entrants.

A message on the website therefore warns that they will probably reach their maximum applications before the 15th January deadline. Entrance fees are £39-40.

The Loch Ness Marathon and Festival of Running

The third and final UK marathon of 2009 will take place on the banks of the world famous Loch Ness on 4th October 2009. Nessie sightings are not guaranteed, but there is wonderful scenery and nature to keep runners occupied.

The marathon course starts on high ground, before circling the loch, and ending Olympics style in the Inverness football stadium.

The late event date, and location in the far north of Scotland, means there is still guaranteed entry now available. Entry is £38 before May 1st, £43 after.

There are also 10K, Corporate Challenge, 5K and Highland Breakfast Runs on the day.

The copyright of the article Marathons in the UK During 2009 in Running & Marathons is owned by Marc Latham. Permission to republish Marathons in the UK During 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

A Marathon Runner