The London Marathon is one of the city's most exclusive events, attracting hundreds of thousands of hopeful runners each year. With a record-breaking 1,133,813 entries in 2026, competition is fierce. Here is your complete guide to entering the ballot for the 2027 race.
When is the London Marathon 2027?
Next year's marathon is scheduled for Sunday, April 25, 2027. However, organisers are considering a one-off two-day event over the weekend, potentially including Saturday, April 24. If approved, this would double the number of participants to 100,000 runners, with 50,000 each day.
Ballot opening and closing dates
The ballot opened at 9am on Friday, April 24, and will close at 4pm on Friday, May 1. Successful applicants will be notified by early July after a random draw.
Entry fees
Runners can choose to pay £49.99 upfront to double their chances in an exclusive second ballot. If unsuccessful, they receive a free premium hydration vest worth £100. Alternatively, the standard entry fee is £79.99. International runners pay higher fees. There is no cost to enter the ballot; payment is only required if selected.
Prize money
Winners receive $55,000 (£40,700). Additional bonuses of $150,000 (£110,000) are awarded to any man finishing under 2:02:00 or any woman under 2:15:00. Prizes are paid in US dollars as part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
Chances of securing a spot
Approximately 1 in 50 applicants were successful in last year's ballot. To improve odds, runners can choose the 'double your chances' option.
Good for Age qualification
UK residents can secure a spot through the Good for Age (GFA) scheme, which allocates bibs to fast runners based on recent marathon times. Places are awarded on a fastest-first basis according to age and qualifying time.
Running for a charity
Charity places are available with organisations such as Marie Curie, Cancer Research UK, and Shelter. These are popular and often oversubscribed, so early application is recommended.
Tour operators for international runners
Sports Tours International offers guaranteed entry and accommodation packages, typically costing several thousand pounds for entry, hotels, and hospitality.
The 2027 London Marathon route
The iconic 26.2-mile route starts at Blackheath, passes Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, and finishes on The Mall near Buckingham Palace. Spectators can watch from various points along the course.
For more details on the 2026 race, including tracking runners, freebies, weather forecasts, start times, road closures, and transport disruptions, check Time Out's comprehensive guides.
