After many years to postal application, through the Marathon News magazine, entry to the 2009 Flora London Marathon will go online.

The new system will allow runners to submit themselves to the public ballot online, which is now the status quo for most other races from the local 10k up to international events like the Flora London Marathon.

The new system will go live today, 13 April 2008, at midday, meaning all those watching the race coverage on the BBC will have a chance to enter the ballot before those competing in the current race get home.

The Flora London Marathon is one of the world’s biggest road running events, attracting a line-up of top-level international talent, celebrities and around 30,000 dedicated runners. The event is always over-subscribed, attracting around 120,000 entries each year.

This year’s celebrity runners include, amongst others, usual suspects Gordon Ramsey, Ben Fogle and James Cracknell; Amanda Holden and Kate Lawler; and 4 Poofs and a Piano, although it is unknown whether they will be bringing the piano.

>> Flora London Marathon - Enter for 2009