Runners hoping to take on the 2027 TCS London Marathon have one week to throw their name into the hat. The ballot opens at 9am BST on Friday 24 April and closes at 4pm on Friday 1 May, with the race itself set for Sunday 25 April 2027.
The draw is random and free to enter. London Marathon Events plans to announce results by early July 2026, leaving successful runners roughly nine months to train.
A Possible Saturday-Sunday Race
The bigger news from London Marathon Events is what could happen on race weekend itself. The organisation is exploring a one-off two-day format for 2027, which would see runners on the course on both Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April.
If permission is granted, everyone who enters the ballot will automatically go into both draws. That effectively doubles the chance of being picked, although no one can be selected twice. Runners chosen for Saturday will not also run on Sunday, and the other way around.
Hugh Brasher, the chief executive of London Marathon Events, framed the ballot as a chance to be part of something bigger than a race.
“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.”
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events
What It Costs
UK residents have two options when applying. They can pay a £49.99 donation to the London Marathon Foundation at the point of entry, or wait and pay the £79.99 race fee only if they are drawn.
The upfront donation comes with perks. Applicants who pay it and miss the first draw are automatically entered into a second ballot. If they miss that one too, they receive a London Marathon hydration vest worth more than £100. Runners who donate and are then selected do not pay any further entry fee.
International entrants pay £225 if successful, a figure that includes a carbon offset fee to account for travel.
Other Ways to Get a Place
The ballot is only one route onto the course. Runners can also secure a spot by running for charity, joining an international sports tour, posting a Good For Age time, hitting a Championship Time or entering through a British Athletics club.
Charity places remain the most realistic option for anyone who isn’t fast enough for a qualifying standard. Most charities ask for a minimum fundraising commitment of around £2,500, which is a significant target but one thousands of runners meet every year.
