I entered the ballot in April of this year in the hope to get a spot in this event. Last week I received a present from the organisators from the London Marathon. I received a nice magazine together with a fleecy top. But everywhere on top of the magazine, on the front page, almost within every advert it was made very clear that I DID NOT get a a place in the London Marathon - like they had to rub it in over an over again.

Obviously very disappointed not to get a place I'm determined to run my first Marathon next year, even if I have to run the same track the day after

Anyone has some good alternatives? (I might explore the alternatives on Runnersworld.)