How to enter the London Marathon 2027 ballot – deadline, cost and everything you need to know

The London Marathon might just be the city’s most exclusive cool-kid event. The sight of eager runners in fresh Hokas, sipping fluorescent electrolytes under the April sun can become inspiring pretty quickly, even if you don’t typically consider yourself the run-club type.

There’s something about the race that brings once-fading New Year’s resolution energy out of the woodwork, with some unlikely sleb participants jogging along the route too. And competition’s tough – a record-breaking 1,133,813 people entered the ballot in 2026. So, here’s how to beat everyone to the ballot before the real race has even begun.

Check out our winning guide to this year’s London Marathon here.

When is the London Marathon 2027?

Next year’s race will be held on Sunday April 25 2027.

However, it might be that date and Saturday April 24. The organisers are currently exploring a one-off two-day marathon over the weekend, though it’s yet to be confirmed. 

How many people will take part?

Next year’s marathon will be twice the size if the two-dayer gets the go-ahead. This means 100,000 runners could be taking part from April 24-25, with around 50,000 runners each day.

When is the London Marathon ballot announced?

Act fast – the ballot is open. It opened at 9am on Friday April 24, and will close at 4pm on Friday May 1. After a completely random draw, you’ll find out if you’re one of the lucky ones by early July.

Entry fees

If you donate your entry fee and pay £49.99 upfront, you can double your chances in an exclusive second ballot. And if you don’t get in, you win a free premium hydration vest worth £100 – not too shabby.

If you don’t choose the ‘double your chances’ option, the entry fee will cost you £79.99. Prices are higher for international runners.

Do you have to pay to enter the ballot?

Nope, you only pay if you’re successful. 

Prize money

Interestingly, the prize money is paid in U.S. dollars since the race is under the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. Winners will get a staggering $55,000 (£40,700), while any man who completes the run in under 2:02:00 will be awarded an extra $150,000 (£110,000). The same goes to any woman who completes the race under 2:15:00. 

What are the chances of securing a spot?

An estimated 1 in 50 got into last year’s race.

How to improve chances of securing a spot

Choose to double your chances! The free running vest might come in handy for an extra year of training if you’re unsuccessful anyhow.

Good for Age qualification

If you’re a UK resident, you can try grab a spot in the race with this special time qualification. It’s the event’s way of allocating bibs to some of the fastest runners.

If you’ve recently completed another eligible marathon within a certain time frame, you might be able to secure a spot in the London Marathon with a GFA. Spots are given on a fastest-first basis, according to your age and qualifying time. 

Running for a charity

Want to run for more than a new personal best? You can apply to run for a charity, including Marie Curie, Cancer Research UK, Shelter, and many more. Choose a charity you strongly resonate with and fingers-crossed you get in running for a good cause, though beware, they tend to be fairly oversubscribed.

Tour operators for international runners

Sports Tours International offers guaranteed entry and accommodation for the London Marathon. The price usually runs into the multiple thousands for entry, hotels and fancy hospitality packages. 

The 2027 London Marathon route

The London Marathon has followed a similar iconic route for the last four decades, looping round some of the most scenic spots in the city. The 26.2 mile-course begins at Blackheath, passing landmarks like Tower Bridge and leading through to Canary Wharf. You’ll cross a finishing line fit for a king on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace.

🗺️ The London Marathon route (and best places to watch).

The London Marathon 2026 with Time Out

Check out our guides to everything you need to know about this year’s race: 

• 📌 How to track runners taking part in the 2026 London Marathon.
• 🤑 The best freebies that marathon runners can claim in London.
• 🌤️ The full weather forecast for central London on Sunday.
• ⏱️ All the start waves and timings.
• ⛔️ Full list of road closures across central London.

🚆 London travel disruption: full list of tube and train closures over the London Marathon weekend.

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