Sometimes life doesn't go to plan and events we've had in the diary for months are sadly postponed waiting for the day when they can finally take place.

And that’s no different for the London Marathon, whether it be an injury, illness or just not feeling fully prepared yet, if you can no longer take part in the race you can defer.

The process is quick and easy to do and it gives you the option to either cancel your entry altogether or instead use your space for the following year.

Find out how to defer your space at the TCS London Marathon website.

How to defer from the London Marathon 2024

If you have decided to defer your spot from the London Marathon all you need to do is notify the organisers via your participant dashboard which should have been emailed to you in February.

After you have withdrawn you will be given the option to defer your place to the following year, if eligible to do so.

Those who do defer will be emailed by the organiser with all the information needed in due course.

It is important to note that the deadline for withdrawal is 23.59 on Saturday 20 April, the day before the marathon.

Who can defer from the London Marathon?

Not everyone is eligible to defer from the race after the organiser made some changes to the policy this year.

If you are now pregnant or postpartum you can defer your place for the following three years, 2025, 2026 or 2027.

You will also be able to defer to 2025 if you get your place through the ballot for the 2024 TCS London Marathon or have a guaranteed place from a running club or a stakeholder.

However, you will still need to pay the 2025 entry fee to secure your place with more information expected soon.

Places provided by charities can not be deferred as the place belongs to the charity meaning you will need to contact the charity directly.