With London Marathon anticipation running at fever pitch, it's easy to forget that the ballot for the 2027 TCS London Marathon opens at 09:00 on Friday, 24 April 2026. The public ballot will remain open for applications until 16:00 on Friday, 1 May 2026. It is a completely random draw, just like the National Lottery, and the ballot results will be announced by early July.

After 1,133,813 people expressed an intention to run the 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday, 26 April 2026, making London easily the most popular marathon in the world, only 5% were successful in gaining a coveted place on the Start Line. The odds could tip slightly in runners' favour if a plan – revealed here in runABC – is approved to make the 2027 London Marathon a two-day event.

Should permission be granted for this one-off, two‑day format, it would take place on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 April. All entrants would automatically be entered into the ballot for both the Saturday and Sunday events (though they would only be able to take part in one), thus significantly increasing their chances of securing a place in the 2027 TCS London Marathon.

Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “The TCS London Marathon is one of the most iconic and inclusive sporting events in the world, and anyone can be part of it. Everyday heroes can stand shoulder to shoulder on the same Start Line as the fastest marathon runners on the planet, cheered on by hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the streets of London. It is a day like no other when humanity comes together with community, unity, and purpose. Entering the 2027 TCS London Marathon ballot could be the first step towards becoming part of something truly life-changing.”

The previous world-record total of 840,318 applications was set in 2024 by applicants for the 2025 TCS London Marathon, which itself broke the Guinness World Record for the largest number of finishers in a marathon, when 56,640 people crossed the finish line on The Mall.

We can expect those numbers to be blown away by the 2026 TCS London Marathon. Look out for our report next week across the runABC areas. Good luck to everyone competing, supporting, volunteering, or just following the event on TV at home.

To enter the ballot for the 2027 TCS London Marathon, click here.

London Marathon details, results, and reports are at runABC South here.

Image courtesy TCS London Marathon website