Ballots
How marathon ballots work: a runner's guide to race drawings
Understand how marathon ballots and entry drawings work, what happens after you apply, and which official details to check before entering.
7 min read · Updated
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Understand every legitimate route before the deadline moves.
Clear explanations for ballots, qualifiers, charity places, official tour packages, and Plan B decisions—grounded in organiser sources and Racera's verification rules.
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Clear guidance for the decisions runners face before, during, and after an entry window.
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More race-entry guides
CalendarsUpdated 6 min read
Marathon ballot calendar: verified lottery and drawing dates
Track source-verified marathon ballot, lottery, and drawing windows while understanding what each date means and what happens after you apply.
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QualifyingUpdated 8 min read
Good For Age vs time qualifier: what runners need to know
Compare Good For Age and time-qualifier entry, including eligibility, evidence, allocation rules, and why a standard may not secure a place.
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Plan BUpdated 7 min read
Missed a marathon ballot? Your legitimate next steps
Review legitimate next steps after a missed marathon ballot, from official charity and tour routes to qualifiers, future entry, and Plan B races.
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CharityUpdated 7 min read
Marathon charity places explained: how official entry works
Learn how official marathon charity places work, what fundraising commitments can involve, and what to verify before accepting an allocated place.
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Tour packagesUpdated 7 min read
Official marathon tour packages: how entry allocations work
Understand official marathon tour-operator packages, territorial eligibility, entry allocations, costs, and what to verify before booking.
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Guides explain the route. Racera's race pages show tracked sources, current verification state, and available deadline reminders.