Applicants set record in 2027 London Marathon public ballot
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 5
Applicants set record in 2027 London Marathon public ballot
11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 5
A total 1,338,544 entered for the 25 April race, topping last year's 1,133,813, with UK applications alone exceeding one million for the first time.
Ballot results are due in early July through a random draw, while registrations were split almost evenly between men and women.
The 2026 race had a record 59,830 finishers and remained the world's biggest annual one-day fundraising event, as organisers continue exploring a two-day format for 2027.
With ballot odds lower than ever, is the world's most popular marathon becoming too exclusive?
As the London Marathon plans a massive expansion, what are the hidden costs for the city?
With technology shattering records, how will marathons preserve the human element of running?
London Marathon Hits 1.13 Million Ballot Entries, Plans 2027 Two-Day Race to Meet Demand
Overview
The 2026 TCS London Marathon ballot closed with a record 1.13 million applicants, driven by cultural trends, a post-pandemic fitness boom, and growing running communities. This overwhelming demand, nearly doubling 2024's numbers, led organizers to propose a two-day event in 2027 to accommodate 100,000 runners and ease entry challenges. The proposal promises significant economic and charitable benefits, including £400 million in social impact and £130 million for charities, while facing logistical and reputational risks. Alternative entry routes remain vital due to a low 2% ballot acceptance rate. The marathon's future depends on balancing growth, tradition, and sustainability amid rising global participation.