Bu@ger! I was counting on that to get an automatic entry in 2012!

Phil if your thinking of next year, enter the Ballot, but if you dont get a place dont worry, have a look at Edinburgh which is in May. But as already mentioned there are loads of excellent Marathons around the country and abroad. My first was at Berlin, and it was no more expensive thanLondon, with accomadation cheeper to be truthfull.

We have a few places offered to our club I might put my name in the hat when we get them just after this years one has run.

I got a place through a charity a couple of years ago, and they asked that I raise £1,500. That was the lowest amount - most are around £2,000. There's not a lot of chance of getting a place through the ballot. I think places only become available later in the year - around May/June. There are lots of other marathons though, so you don't have to limit yourself.

In the meantime, why not get yourself signed up for a 10k or even 10m Phillip? It's good that you're setting your sights high, but I'd strongly recommend you get through a few shorter distances before committing to the biggie!

How much on average does an individual have too raise?

How easy is it to get a place for entry to London Marathon 2012 ??. People i have spoken to suggest that it aint easy,as you have to go on awaiting list?.looked at web site but not  alot of info available,any one been lucky this year,how do you get a place.