If you secure a place in the 2011 Virgin London Marathon you’ll need to register for the race. There are two parts to this process:

Part 1 - The registration form

You will receive your registration form in the post in March and you must bring this with you to the 2011 Virgin London Marathon Expo along with your identification (see details in Part 2) in order to collect your runner number, timing tag and kit bag.

Part 2 - The 2011 Virgin London Marathon Expo

The 2011 Virgin London Marathon Expo will be held from Wednesday 13 April to Saturday 16 April at the city’s ExCel Exhibition Centre. All runners will need to attend one of these days to register. If you live in London please try to attend on Wednesday or Thursday because the event gets very busy on Friday and Saturday with runners who’ve come from further away.

Simply take your registration form along to the Expo and exchange it for your runner number, timing tag and kit bag. The Registration Clerk will ask you to sign the declaration on your registration form in front of them and show some identification (for example, your passport or driving license). They will also give you some instructions for race day – please read them carefully.

What to do if you can’t attend the Expo

Although we encourage everyone to register for the Virgin London Marathon in person we know this isn’t always possible. Here’s what to do if you can’t attend the event:

• Nominate someone to attend the Expo and collect your runner number for you.
• Your nominee will need a letter written and signed by you, giving permission for them to collect your number. They’ll also need to bring a copy of your identification.
• Sign the declaration on your registration form. When your nominee gives the form to the Registration Clerk, they’ll check your details.
• Your nominee will also need to bring some identification (for example, their passport or driving license).

Overseas runners

There are special desks at the Expo for overseas runners to register - these will be clearly marked.

April 13th to 16th 2011

The Best Free Event In The Running Year

Whether you are running in the race or not the exhibition is an opportunity that’s too good to miss for anyone interested in running and fitness. The 2011 Virgin London Marathon Exhibition will be the biggest ever, the demand from exhibitors to present their latest products and services has been unprecedented. All the major athletic brands are present as will be a multitude of other exhibitors showing and selling everything from socks to global navigation devices to the latest niche products and everything between. The show has more manufacturers, more international races, more charities, more running publications, more medical companies and the best selection of retailers you will ever see under one roof. There is plenty to engage beginner and the serious distance runner alike.

When To Come

Held every year at ExCeL in London's Docklands throughout the registration process, the biggest and best venue in the country, the show attracts 70,000 visitors over its 4 open days. With 15000 visitors on the week days and 25000 on Saturday you may want to consider visiting in the week to avoid the rush on Saturday. The opening hours are listed here. If you come on Saturday our advice is the earlier the better, 9am to 11am is the quietest time. If you have no choice and have to arrive after 11am on Saturday please be patient and you will still have a great time.

Everything You Need Under One Roof

Which ever day you visit, after registering and picking up your chip and number, don't forget to allow plenty of time to look round the Exhibition because you are bound to get seduced by the show. It offers an opportunity too good to miss, whether it's the Virgin London Marathon Superstore for this year's adidas souvenir clothing, the sports superstars that turn out to meet us mere mortals every year, the Virgin London Marathon Pasta Party and stage presentations (The Pasta Party incorporates the Virgin stage where a full agenda of informative presentations and entertainment is scheduled) or just the urge to spend, spend, spend allow the time and you'll have a great experience.

Free To Enter

Don't forget the show is Free to enter so feel free to bring your family and friends and tell all your running companions that even if they are not competing it's a great day out.

Now that your friends are thoroughly fed up with you constantly talking about running, come and share your experience with over seventy thousand like-minded people at the marathon running event of the year.

Virgin London Marathon Pasta Party 2011

As any wise marathon runner knows, getting the right food into your system is as important as a thorough training programme. Stocking up on carbohydrates prior to the big race is absolutely key if you are to perform to your very best. To help you have the energy to race for the line, or to cheer on your friends and family, don't forget to visit the Pasta Party. While you eat, you can pick up last minute tips from expert speakers.

On Stage At The Virgin London Marathon Pasta Party

Countdown to race day

Helpful tips for your final preparations and the race itself from Martin Yelling, top marathon coach.

Stepping up

Former world champion Iwan Thomas talks about the special challenges of tackling 42,195 metres instead of his favourite 400 metres.

Hydration and Fuel

With John Brewer, Professor of Sport at the University of Bedfordshire.

Pacing yourself

Claire Matthews, of Runner’s World, explains how this top magazine and website offers you pacing groups to help you achieve your target time.

Plan to enjoy race day

Plans to make and pitfalls to avoid, from Brian Webber of the Virgin London Marathon team.

Run the Bedford way

Hilarious video messages from Race Director of the Virgin London Marathon, David Bedford.

Plus Daily Fashion Shows & Celebrity Interviews

Vest / Singlet / Shirt Printing Service

Previously only available at the Expo and last year pre orders to be collected at the show, our vest/shirt printing service has been operating for many years, with thousands of satisfied customers. For the first time we are now offering a full mail order service over the web, so no more waiting. Visit the Vest / Singlet / Shirt Printing Service pages for details and to order now.