Record 1.33m people apply for 2027 London Marathon ballot

More than 1.3 million people have applied for the 2027 London Marathon, shattering the event’s own global record for ballot entries and capping a surge in interest that organisers say reflects a broader running boom.

The Details

A world-record 1,338,544 people entered the public ballot for the 2027 London Marathon, which is scheduled for 25 April 2027, according to figures released by organisers. The total breaks the previous record of 1,133,813 applications set for the 2026 race.

Of the record-breaking pool of applicants, 1,008,091 entries came from inside the UK, while 330,450 came from runners in 200 countries outside the UK.

Ballot results are expected by early July. Fewer than 20,000 places are usually allocated through the public ballot, meaning the vast majority of applicants will not secure a spot through this route.

Organisers said the ballot surge reflects a wider running boom. The 2026 London Marathon had a record 59,830 finishers and raised more than £87.5 million for charity, confirming its status as the world’s biggest annual one-day fundraising event.

Context

London Marathon organisers are considering a one-off two-day format for the 2027 race that could nearly double participation to roughly 100,000 runners, though a decision is not expected until the end of May.

Hugh Brasher, speaking on behalf of the organisers, described the ballot numbers as evidence that London has become the world’s most sought-after marathon. “This astonishing total of more than 1.33 million ballot applicants firmly establishes London as the world’s most sought-after marathon,” he said. “Nothing else comes close.”

He also tied the demand to the event’s broader mission. “Our mission is to inspire people of every age and ability to get active – and these extraordinary numbers show the massive draw and power of the London Marathon,” Brasher said.

What's Next

A decision on the proposed two-day 2027 format is expected by the end of May. Ballot results for the 2027 race are due by early July.