London Marathon 2024 FAQ's

The London Marathon is the UK’s landmark race and the biggest single-day charity fundraising event in the world. Every year more than 40 000 runners take to this iconic course from Blackheath to The Mall, while passing by London’s most famous landmarks. This prestigious event inspires thousands of people around the globe to achieve something phenomenal and it truly is a memorable experience to be a part of.

“The atmosphere on the day was absolutely incredible. There were over 700,000 people cheering, and when it got really tough, they were vital in helping me to keep going. I will remember it for the rest of my life! The Salvation Army were really supportive of me throughout the process and I’m really glad I did it!” Sam, previous #TeamSallyArmy Marathon runner

Since 1865, the Salvation Army has been working with the some of the most marginalised people in society, without judgement or condemnation.

Unless you request that your sponsorship supports a specific local Salvation Army project, the money you raise from taking part in this incredible challenge will help us transform the lives of those currently experiencing homelessness.

Homelessness is a reality of our society. From Lifehouses to addiction support, the services we offer put the person and their needs at the centre, enabling people to take control of their life circumstances.

We passionately believe that no one is beyond hope, however great their problems. So very often, through our care, support, practical help, and the time we freely give, people find the strength to turn their lives around.

Above all, we are a friend to people who have nowhere else to turn, offering love and hope in place of despair.

To find out more about the work we do please visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/homelessness 

• A free breathable Salvation Army running vest 
• Iron-on letters so you can personalise your vest 
• Membership to our exclusive London Marathon closed Facebook group and Strava running club
• Discounted accommodation in London for the night before and/or the night of the race (offered on a first come, first served basis) if you need it
• A dedicated London Marathon rep to give you all the support you need 
• A fundraising pack crammed full of ideas and inspiration
• A winter training snood 
• A pre-race goodie bag! 
• Enthusiastic support from our famous Cheer Squad on race day
• £100 sports vouchers to our top 3 fundraisers*

*T’s & C’s apply – please see our website for more details

Charity Place

You can apply for one of our coveted London Marathon charity places by completing our London Marathon 2024 application which you can find here.

Ballot Place

Increase your chances of getting a place by applying for a place in the public ballot which will open on 23rd April by going to the TCS London Marathon website here.

Charity place

If you apply for one of our places, then once we have approved your application and offered you a place, you will need to pay a non-refundable registration fee of £50 within two weeks of accepting your place to reserve it and pledge to raise the minimum sponsorship pledge.

Ballot place

If you secure a ballot place you will pay the London Marathon organisers directly for your place.

Charity Place

If you are given a Salvation Army Charity place, we ask you to raise at least £1,950.

We ask you to send in:

• Thursday 31 August 2023: £400 sponsorship deadline

• Tuesday 31 October 2023: £600 sponsorship deadline

• Thursday 31 January 2024: £900 sponsorship deadline

• Friday 31 March 2024: £1300 sponsorship deadline

• Before 6 May 2024 £1700 sponsorship deadline

The remaining £250 needs to be sent to The Salvation Army THQ within one month of the event. This is easily achievable if you start early, and many of our runners find that they raise far more than they ever expected!

Here are a few ideas to get you going – you can find loads more in the Fundraising Pack we will send you when you sign up:

• Self donate £100

• Sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues £550

• Take sponsorship form into work £300

• Bake Sale £200

• Hold a virtual Quiz Night £200

• Pudding or Spaghetti Night £100

• Start a running club £300

• Hold a coffee morning £200

Total £1,950

Ballot Place

If you have secured a place through the London Marathon ballot there is no minimum sponsorship amount and we are very grateful that you will be running for us. We do hope though that you will raise as much as you can to support our work.

Salvation Army charity place

We will allocate our charity places based on the quality of the application and no later than the end of June 2023.

TCS London Marathon Public Ballot Place

The 2024 ballot results will likely be announced from May 2023.

If you secure a place, we would love to welcome you to Team Sally Army. If we have already allocated you one of our charity places, we would be grateful if you could let us know, so that we could offer it to someone on the waiting list.

Accommodation is in the form of comfortable modern flats or rooms at our training centre, William Booth College, in Denmark Hill, which is 10 minutes by train or bus to central London.

This is available to our runners for the night before and/or the night of the London Marathon and can be purchased as soon as you have a place, subject to availability.

Booking for the accommodation needs to made through The Salvation Army Community and Fundraising Events Team – please contact us on london.marathon@salvationarmy.org.uk

If you are successful in securing a charity place, our dedicated London Marathon team will be in touch with you. Once you have received this confirmation and paid your registration fee, you will receive further instructions by email and phone. 

You will also receive an Official Programme and registration form from the organisers of the London Marathon in 2024. This package will include full details about the TCS London Marathon Expo, which you’ll need to attend to pick up your race number. The Expo will take place during the week of the marathon from the Wednesday-Saturday.