How to enter the London Marathon 2026 ballot – deadline, cost and everything you need to know
All the info for how to get in on the sweaty action next year.
www.timeout.comHere’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting:
- The London Marathon ballot typically announces results a few weeks after applications close, with many years seeing a record number of applicants. The most recent publicly reported instance noted a ballot results publication around June for the following year’s race. This aligns with the usual pattern of notifying successful applicants by email after the draw.[1]
- In recent years, the ballot has attracted record participation, often surpassing half a million entrants, with international applicants representing a sizable portion of the total. This reflects the event’s global appeal and the growing demand to run the London course.[2]
- If you’re looking ahead to 2027, keep an eye on official London Marathon channels for the precise ballot timeline and notifications, as organizers sometimes adjust dates or formats (e.g., application window length or announcement timing) from year to year.[10]
- Alternatives if you don’t gain a ballot place include charity entries, affiliated club places, or a “My Way” option that lets you run the distance in a different location or setting but still support a chosen cause.[3]
Illustration: Typical flow
- Ballot opens → applications flood in (often >500k) → random draw selects winners → winners are contacted by email → runners prepare for Marathon Day; non-winners can pursue charity or other entry routes.
If you’d like, I can compile a concise timeline and checklist for the 2027 London Marathon ballot once the official dates are announced, and I can also monitor for updates and share them with you.