The 2027 London Marathon ballot runs from April 24 to May 1, with a random draw for free entries. Here’s how to apply—and the other ways to get a place.
More than a million runners chased a ballot place for this year’s London Marathon, and the demand for 2027 is expected to be just as fierce.
The official ballot window for the London Marathon 2027 opened at 9am on Friday. April 24. and closes next Friday. May 1. at 4pm.. Entry is free, with the understanding that a successful ballot outcome comes with an entry fee.. Organisers say ballot results will be announced by early July—so if you’re hoping to lock in 2027 plans. the calendar matters as much as your training schedule.
At the heart of the process is a simple premise: it’s a random draw. described by Misryoum as “lottery-like.” That means there’s no advantage in how quickly you apply. no extra points for experience. and no ranking based on past attempts.. If you’re selected, you’ll still need to pay the race entry fee.. For this year’s race. that fee was listed as £79.99. and while the exact fee for 2027 isn’t confirmed in the provided details. the structure is clear: ballot entry is free. but participation isn’t.
London Marathon 2027 dates and possible two-day twist
The 2027 TCS London Marathon is set for Sunday, 25 April, 2027. But there’s a wrinkle on the horizon: organisers have been exploring whether the event could move to a one-off two-day format. If permission is granted, the marathon would run on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April.
If the two-day option goes ahead, Misryoum understands that ballot entrants would automatically be entered into both days’ events.. The catch is straightforward but important—each runner would only be able to take part in one of the days.. For anyone building training around one specific weekend. that possibility changes the planning feel: you’d be preparing for a confirmed Sunday. while also needing a contingency mindset in case the race schedule shifts.
How many places are likely available—and why it’s still hard
Even with the expected scale of the event, winning a ballot place is far from guaranteed. The information shared indicates it’s expected that more than 59,000 people will be on the start line for the 2026 marathon, suggesting a similar magnitude for next year.
But not all places come from the ballot.. Some entries can be secured through charity fundraising routes. qualification with a fast time. or through running for a British Athletics club.. The effect on a typical runner is simple: the ballot is only one gateway. and it’s only one of several competition layers shaping who ends up lining up on the start line.
There’s also a key variable that could change your odds—if a two-day format is approved. Misryoum expects it could significantly increase the number of runners who can take part. potentially doubling the number of available spots across both days.. That matters because when demand is enormous, the limiting factor is rarely effort; it’s capacity.. More days can mean more slots, but it doesn’t necessarily mean less competition—only that the funnel may widen.
Other ways to get a place: charity, qualifying times, and “good for age”
If the ballot feels like a gamble, it’s because it is.. But it isn’t the only route.. For runners who can hit a “good for age” time, there is an option for places ringfenced for faster runners.. Organisers normally set aside around 6,000 places for those able to attain the relevant benchmark, divided by sex.
Another approach is tied to fundraising.. In general terms. a runner can secure a place via an agreement to pursue a fundraising goal. but Misryoum flags the practical reality: those commitments can reach into the thousands of pounds.. Just as importantly. the fundraising outcome can affect eligibility—if the target isn’t met. you may not be allowed to run.
Then there are qualification paths linked to fast times and club participation.. These options tend to appeal to runners with a specific performance profile and strong evidence of recent readiness.. For others. the ballot remains the most accessible entry point. especially when your training focus is on completing the distance rather than chasing a particular qualifying mark.
What a ballot win changes for planning—and what runners should do now
Winning a ballot place isn’t just about getting a number; it changes how you organise the next year.. If you’re selected in early July. that’s a moment when training plans often need to tighten: you’ll likely start thinking in blocks—base work. build periods. then taper—without wasting weeks that could sharpen endurance.
Even if you don’t win. Misryoum notes that a sensible approach is to treat the ballot as one lever. not the only plan.. Many runners keep multiple routes in mind at once: preparing to qualify. exploring a club pathway. or lining up charity fundraising realistically.. Because the odds are shaped by demand. having a backup route reduces the chance of losing the entire season’s goal when the draw doesn’t go your way.
There’s also a psychological element.. With a random draw, runners can feel powerless until results arrive.. One editorial takeaway Misryoum readers often appreciate is this: the parts you can control—consistent long runs. steady mileage. recovery discipline—should continue regardless of ballot outcomes.. Training doesn’t need permission.
The bigger trend: more accessibility, but not less competition
The possibility of a two-day marathon reflects a broader tension in big-city events: organisers face massive interest from participants. while urban logistics and the need for safe race operations cap how many people can start.. A two-day structure is one method of managing that pressure without lowering the event’s appeal.
For runners. the takeaway is that the London Marathon brand will likely stay at the top of the long-distance calendar. but access methods may continue to evolve.. If the two-day format becomes real. it could be one of the rare changes that improves the chance of securing a place—while still leaving plenty of demand behind.
If you’re aiming for April 2027. Misryoum’s advice is to mark the ballot dates now: apply between 9am on April 24 and 4pm on May 1. then plan for results in early July.. In the meantime. consider your route—ballot. fundraising. qualifying time. or club entry—so your marathon story doesn’t hinge on a single outcome.