The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have inspired thousands to dust off their trainers and kickstart their fitness campaigns.

Organisers of the Virgin Money London Marathon are ‘very optimistic’ this year’s London marathon will go ahead after last year’s was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic – which means if you haven’t already, it’s time to get training.

So when is the 2021 London Marathon taking place, can you still knab a spot, and what is the official route?

Here is all you need to know before donning your sports watch.

When is the 2021 London Marathon?

For the second year in a row, the race has been moved from its traditional April date.

This year, the official London Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 3.

The virtual marathon will take place on the same day.

Will the 2021 London Marathon go ahead as normal this year?

Organisers are confident the race will go ahead as normal.

Event director Hugh Brasher told BBC Sport: ‘The government has been talking about the fact that everyone will be vaccinated in the country by September.

‘This is October 3, so we really hope that this is a beacon of hope in the future. And that we really are living in a different world to what we are now in.

‘We’re talking to scientists, we’re talking to other organisers around the world, where events are happening around the world, how they have happened. And that’s why we are positive about October 3.’

What is the 2021 London Marathon route?

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The London Marathon route is iconic – and runs from Blackheath in the south east of London to the finish line at The Mall.

Runners will make their way through Greenwich before passing over the Thames as they cross Tower Bridge.

The route continues through central London and passes Canary Wharf and famous landmarks such as the London Eye and Big Ben, where thousands of avid spectators will cheer on the runners.

As the racegoers turn the bend at Buckingham Palace, all they’ll have left is the stretch of The Mall to reach the finish line.

Can you still buy a spot in the London Marathon?

London Marathon places are totally sold out, including the virtual marathon.

50,000 people are set to complete the 26.2 miles virtually using a tracking app.

A total of 37,966 finished the virtual event in 2020 giving it an official Guinness World Records title for the ‘most users to run a remote marathon in 24 hours’.

However, it is not all bad news – you might still be able to enter the virtual London Marathon by taking up a charity place and running for a worthy cause on the Virgin Money London Marathon website.

How do I apply for the 2022 London Marathon?

Details of how to apply for the 2022 race have not yet been published.

More information about how to enter the ballot for the 2022 event will be available later in the year.

Last year’s ballot was open for only five days, so you will need to act fast when it opens up.

What are the best 2021 London Marathon training plans?

Training for a marathon is no easy feat and you should not underestimate the amount of preparation that is needed.

Whether you’re undertaking your first marathon or a veteran of the sport, there are lots of different training plans to follow.

The official London Marathon organisers have detailed plans to follow on their website for beginners, improvers, and advanced runners.

All three training plans are available to download for free on the Virgin Money London Marathon website.

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