London Marathon 2027: How the ballot works for next year's two-day race

After a record-breaking London Marathon in 2026, runners have already been applying for a place at next year’s race.

More than a million people applied for a place at this year’s race in the ballot, and 1.33 million applications have been received for the 2027 ballot.

Fortunately for those hoping to run, more people should get a place after plans for the event to take place over two days were confirmed.

So here’s everything you need to know about applying to run in the world-famous marathon.

The ballot for the 2027 TCS London Marathon opened on April 24 and closed on May 1.

The ballot for the London Marathon can be found at tcslondonmarathon.com.

It is a completely random draw, just like the National Lottery. The ballot results will be announced by early July.

It is free to enter the ballot although if you are given a space you will need to pay a £79.99 entry fee. It costs £225 for international entries.

Entrants in the ballot can double their chances of getting a place by paying £49.99 upfront as it earns you a place in a second ballot.

If you are unsuccessful in both ballots, you will earn a hydration vest worth £100 as a consolation prize.

The London Marathon will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April, 2027.

All ballot entrants are automatically put into the ballot for both the Saturday and Sunday events (though they would only be able to take part in one.)

It is expected that more than 59,000 people were on the start line for the 2026 marathon.

Many but not all of the spaces are given out through the ballot, as people can also apply through a charity, qualify with a fast time, or through running for a British Athletics club.

The marathon being staged over two days should significantly increase the chance of securing a place, potentially doubling the number of people who can take part.

If you are able to run a “good for age” time then you can have the option of getting a place among those ringfenced for faster runners.

Organisers normally set aside around 6,000 places for runners who are able to attain what is considered a “good for age” time for their sex.

Another route is to take one of the places reserved for charities.

An organisation will give you a place in exchange for an agreement to try to reach a fundraising goal but watch out as this can be in the thousands of pounds and a commitment perhaps beyond training. If you do not achieve the required funds then you may not be allowed to run.