London Marathon on course to break own virtual fundraising record

The organisers of the London Marathon have announced that its virtual event has sold out, taking the total number of participants to 100,000.

The event is taking place on Sunday 3 October, involving 50,000 competitors in London with 50,000 taking part virtually.

This year’s virtual side to the event is set to beat the Guinness World Records title for the most users to run a remote marathon in 24 hours.

The record was set last year by the London Marathon itself, after 37,966 people finished its inaugural virtual event, which was staged to meet Covid-19 social distancing guidelines.

Those taking part virtually have to complete the marathon’s 26.2 mile distance by any time on October 3. A marathon app is being made available for runners to track their run.



“We are absolutely delighted to have sold out the virtual Virgin Money London Marathon so quickly,” said Virgin Money London Marathon event director Hugh Brasher.

“Our first virtual marathon last year was a huge success and it's wonderful that 50,000 people want to be part of it this October, doing the marathon their way, wherever they are in the world.

“Our 50,000 virtual participants will be an integral part of what is set to be the world’s biggest-ever marathon on Sunday 3 October, adding to the 50,000 people who will take on the traditional route from Blackheath to The Mall, to create a historic total of 100,000 participants. It promises to be a spectacular and memorable 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon.”

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