The TCS London Marathon is one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and the most popular marathon on the planet. With acceptance rates below 5%, timing is everything. The ballot window is typically open for just 6 days, and it's easy to miss while watching the race coverage.
The London Marathon has a unique tradition where the ballot for the next year opens almost immediately around the current race day. For official updates, head to the TCS London Marathon website.
Key Dates
- Race Day: Apr 26, 2026
- Ballot Window: Apr–May 2025
Don't miss the window. The ballot opens while everyone is watching the race and closes just 6 days later. Set up a BibsAlert and we'll email you the moment the ballot goes live.
How to Enter the London Marathon
There are four main ways to secure a spot: the public ballot, charity entry, Good For Age (GFA), or international tour operators.
1. The Public Ballot
This is how most runners enter. It's a completely random draw, and entering the main ballot is free. However, your odds are slim: over a million people apply each year, and only around 17,000-20,000 ballot places are available.
Entry Fee (if successful): £79.99 for UK residents (or £49.99 if you donated your entry fee when applying), £225 for international runners.
Second Chance Option (UK only): You can donate your entry fee when entering the ballot. If you're unsuccessful in the main draw, you're automatically entered into a second-chance ballot, effectively doubling your chances. Your entry fee is also reduced from £79.99 to £49.99. You also receive a premium running top, and your donation supports the London Marathon Foundation.
2. Charity Entries
Around 15,000 places go to charity runners each year. This is the most reliable way to guarantee a spot if you're willing to fundraise.
Cost: A registration fee (typically £50-£100) plus a fundraising commitment, usually between £2,000 and £2,500 for major charities.
Timeline: Individual charity places typically open after the ballot results are announced in July, though some charities start recruiting earlier.
Pro tip: Charity places fill up extremely fast, often before the ballot results are announced. If you're serious about running for a charity, don't wait for your ballot result. Even if a charity appears full, get on their waitlist. Many runners drop out due to injury, and spots open up unexpectedly.
3. Good For Age (GFA)
If you're a fast runner and UK resident, you can apply for a Good For Age place. Around 6,000 GFA spots are available (3,000 men, 3,000 women), but places are allocated to the fastest runners first, so meeting the standard doesn't guarantee entry.
Example Times: Sub-2:52 (men 18-39), Sub-3:38 (women 18-39). Times are more generous for older age groups.
Qualifying Period: Typically October to September. Your qualifying marathon must be on a certified course (UKA, AIMS, or national governing body certified).
Note: GFA is for UK residents only.
4. International Tour Operators
If you live outside the UK, you can secure a guaranteed entry through an official International Tour Operator (ITO). These packages include race entry, hotel accommodation, and sometimes travel. They're expensive but reliable. Packages typically sell out quickly after the ballot results are announced.
Ballot Odds: What Are Your Chances?
The London Marathon has become increasingly competitive:
- 2026: 1,133,813 applicants - acceptance rate under 5%
- 2025: 840,318 applicants - acceptance rate ~2.4-3%
- 2024: 578,304 applicants
- 2016: 247,069 applicants - acceptance rate 6.9%
With demand growing and available places relatively stable, the second-chance option (UK only) is worth considering to double your odds.
Didn't Get In?
If you weren't selected in the London Marathon ballot, you still have options:
- Charity entries: Many official charity partners offer guaranteed places in exchange for fundraising commitments. Check the official website for partner organizations.
- Championship entry: Runners with a "Good for Age" qualifying time get guaranteed entry. Check the official site for current standards.
- Club ballot: Affiliated running clubs receive a limited number of guaranteed places. Ask your club about availability.
- Try a similar race: Check the related races below for marathons with similar entry types, dates, or locations.
- Apply again next year: Set up a BibsAlert so you don't miss the next entry window.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I find out if I got in?
Ballot results are typically announced in July. You'll receive an email, but you can also check your status on the London Marathon website.
Can I defer my entry if I can't run?
Generally, no. The London Marathon has removed the automatic deferral option for most runners. Exceptions are made for pregnancy or postpartum, which allows a longer deferral window. If you're injured, you typically cannot defer without losing your entry fee.
Can I transfer my entry to someone else?
No, ballot entries are non-transferable. Each entry is tied to the individual who applied.
What happens if my payment fails?
If you're successful but your payment fails (e.g., expired card), you may lose your place. Make sure your payment details are up to date when you enter the ballot.
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Looking Ahead
If this year's ballot has closed, the next one typically opens around race day in late April. The window is only 6 days, so it's easy to miss. Set up a BibsAlert to get notified when the next ballot goes live.