Phase 1 of the Flora London Marathon 2009 online entry ballot has now closed

[Nigel]

Charity is a huge part of the FLM, and I don't object to charities having to pay £300 for a Golden Bond place, since they still make a good return and it gives the FLM organisers some funds to pump into London-based (rather than national) charities.

Some of the larger charities, like Cancer Research, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Macmillan Cancer Support (to name just three) are demanding a pledge to raise a minimum of £2,500 in return for award of a Golden Bond place.

That's quite a serious fund-raising commitment.

Anyway, I stumped up my £32 as usual. At least we find out in October this year, rather than December.