How to cut costs when running a marathon

Make sure you are ready before you enter. Marathon plans typically run 16–20 weeks, so allow at least six months to prepare and be a regular runner who has completed several 10ks or a half-marathon. Entry routes and fees vary widely. Big races can sell out or run lotteries—London drew 1.1m applications this year with under a 5% success rate, and ballot entry was about £80 for UK residents and £225 for international runners; charity places incur registration fees of about £50–£150 plus fundraising targets around £2,500.

Virtual options cost less (London Marathon MyWay is £30 for UK runners, £40 for international), and many local races are far cheaper—examples include Chester (£55), the Cambridge Boundary Run (£25, £20 for students), Malvern Midsummer (£26, £18 for LDWA members) and Boston in Lincolnshire (£42).

Think about timing, travel and kit. Choosing an autumn marathon means summer training and less winter kit, while spring races may require a jacket, leggings, base layers and gloves.

United Kingdom, London

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