Dreaming of running the streets of London in one of the most iconic races on Earth? Here’s your chance. The ballot for the 2026 TCS London Marathon opens on Friday, April 25, 2025—and if you’re hoping to secure a spot, you’ll want to be ready.
Here’s what you need to know.
When Does the Ballot Open?
- Opens: Friday, April 25, 2025
- Closes: Friday, May 2, 2025
- Where: Online via tcslondonmarathon.com
It’s free to enter the ballot. If you’re successful, you’ll pay the entry fee (currently £69.99 for UK runners and £146 for international runners, based on this year’s pricing).
Results will be announced by early July 2025—so keep an eye on your inbox around then.
How Does the Ballot Work?
The London Marathon ballot is completely random. It’s not first-come, first-served. Everyone who applies during the one-week window has an equal shot, whether they enter on day one or day seven.
This randomness means it’s incredibly popular—and yes, a bit of a long shot.
What Are the Odds?
While the London Marathon doesn’t publish official acceptance rates, here’s what we know:
- For the 2025 race, over 578,000 people entered the ballot.
- Around 17,000–20,000 spots are typically available to ballot applicants (the rest go to charity places, tour operators, etc.).
- That means the acceptance rate is estimated to be 3–4%—so roughly 1 in 25 people who enter get in.
It’s tough, but not impossible. And someone has to get in—why not you?
Want to Make It Even More Memorable?
This year’s ballot launch comes with a twist. On April 25, London Marathon organizers are turning the Outernet’s NOW Building (by Tottenham Court Road) into a digital marathon memory wall. Past runners and supporters are invited to share photos with the hashtag #MyLondonMarathon for a chance to be featured on giant screens in central London.
It’s a celebration of 44 years of racing, and a fun way to kick off your own journey to 2026.
Didn’t Get In? Don’t Worry
If you miss out in the ballot, you can still run. Many UK and international charities offer guaranteed entry spots in exchange for fundraising. You can also explore packages from tour operators, especially if you’re traveling from abroad.
