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

[stillwaddler]

I've got my entry in, Mrs SW culdn't complete his as it kept failing when he refused to pledge his money if he wasn't succesful in the ballot? However, he will be trying again on Monday too. I thought it was odd to open the ballot when even the elite runners had barely finished the current race.

It would be brilliant if we all got in, we would def. need team shirts then.

I have mixed feelings about the Gold Bond entry system I ran on one in 2006 and raised close on £2,000. I think £300 for an entry from a charity to give to another charity is a bit weird, but hey, my half mara raised approx that amount so you can get one free next year Sweder;-)

A colleague of mine who I introduced to running about three years ago ran this year for the first time, she did it in 4hours 13 minutes which was brilliant -mind you she is half my age;-( but she decided not to raise money for anyone which seems a really wasted opportunity, especially as everyone at work was asking her which charity she was collecting for.

I'm appalled by the idea of smokers on the route - why don't the marshalls just hoick them out? I don't suppose it occurred to the organisers that anyone ever would, maybe a line in the rules to say it's banned and anybody spotted smoking by a marshall would have their timing chip stopped and thier medal withheld.

If we didn't get into London, how about Paris? Not sure I can tackle an autumn marathon as I feel vaguely appalled at the idea of training through what might be a hot summer.

El Gordo - you are a runner and a writer whether you choose to acknowledge it or not - we, after all, have proof :-) Come on, lace up the shoes and slap on the vaseline, we are waiting to hear all about it.