Didn’t get a London Marathon place? Here are some alternative options.
With the ballot results yesterday, you’re either still riding high on adrenaline with your successful application, or trying to hide your disappointment from family and friends.
There is, of course, the charity fundraising option, which you can read about in our previous blog here. If that’s not quite what you’re after, we’ve put together a list of options that may appease the pain of not getting a place.
Whether it’s a scenic run through the highlands or a trip across the channel to our friends in France, we’ve got a great list of alternatives for you to look through.
As you may already know, Scimitar work with some of the UK’s largest mass participation event companies, and have a reputation in the event sector for providing market-leading custom sportswear, bespoke medals and retail merchandise solutions. Here are some of our top alternative events for those who didn’t get a London Marathon place!
1: Castle Race Series – Château de Chantilly (27-28 August 2022)
Fancy an event a little further away? Take in the sights and delights with a stunning half marathon event in the historic town of Chantilly, which lies just 30 miles north of Paris.
Taking part across the weekend, athletes and spectators will be able to enjoy a true festival atmosphere with the event village, which features live music from local musicians, shopping, food and drink, children’s entertainment, yoga and more. Or for something compltely different… why not take on your first triathlon with the
2: Thames Meander Marathon – Kingston upon Thames (6 August 2022)
Rated by Runners World as one of the top 10 marathons in the UK, run along the river and take in the sites with the Thames Meander half or full marathon. Taking place in August, it’s perfect for first-time triers or veteran marathon runners.
A flat riverside train, it pushes out towards Catbury Gardens, before returning to finish at Burnell Avenue. The marathon actually takes place three times every year, so if August may be a bit hot for you, why not register for the 29th October instead?
3: Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running (2 October 2022)
Taking place on the same weekend as the London Marathon, this event offers a true natural experience.
You may have been ready for the urban sprawl as you run through London, but why not trade that experience in for the complete opposite?
Set in the stunning grounds of Inverness and Loch Ness, take in the natural beauty of the route and unrivalled views of the loch. It’s safe to say the event is very selfie-friendly! If you are planning to make a weekend of it with friends or family, make the most of the sports expore, food & drink fayre, music and activities for the little ones.
Find out more here.
4: The Richmond Marathon & Runfest – London (11 September 2022)
If you can’t shake that London itch, why not sign up for the Richmond Runfest? It’s touted as ‘London’s Flattest Marathon’ for a reason!
Celebrating the 10th year of the event, it all starts at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew. You’ll pass a wide range of stunning architecture on the way, while there’s a nice change in terrain from natural paths through to the Thames towpath. All of this while remaining a very flat, PB-friendly route.
The event finishes in Old Deer Park, South West London, where a family-friendly all-day festival will be taking place. We’re doing the official merchandise for the event this year, with our stunning range of products including running vests, t-shirts and 1/4 zip tops.
5: ABP Newport Wales Marathon & 10K (23 October 2022)
As one of the UK’s flattest major marathons, the ABP Newport Wales Marathon has become a firm favourite with PB chasers.
In its third iteration, the ABP Newport Wales Marathon has fast become a firm favourite within the Welsh running community. It proudly boasts to be one of the flattesat marathon courses in Europe, and claims that over 70% of participants have claimed a PB on the iconic route.
The event is delivered by our friends at Run 4 Wales, who also run the Cardiff Half Marathon and Porthcawl 10K. We’re proud to produce merchandise and premium finisher products for all Run 4 Wales events.
6: Bacchus Wine Half Marathon & 10K (11 September 2022)
A quick warning – our final option for an alternative to the London Marathon is a little out there! The Bacchus Wine Half Marathon & 10K returns fully for the first time since 2019, due to the pandemic.
The 2000 half-marathon participants (the full marathon has been discontinued, unfortunately) will experience a wine-tasting session like no other, with a full selection of Denbies wine on hand with six award-winning English wines to try along the course.
This is split into five drinks stations, and is accompanied by a selection of food snacks arranged to enhance the wines and your enjoyment of the event. Post-race, you will get free race photos and entry to the traditional hog roast.
You may not be chasing PBs with this event, but it’s surely one to tick off the list for wine lovers!
What do you think of our options?
Any you’d recommend for people looking for London Marathon alternatives? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
