The TCS London Marathon is arguably the most popular marathon on the planet, with a ballot system that sees record-breaking numbers every year. If you are hoping to run in 2026, the main public ballot has already closed. Your only remaining option is a charity place.
However, if you are planning ahead for 2027, you need to be ready. The London Marathon has a unique tradition where the ballot for the next year opens almost immediately around the current race day.
Key Dates
- 2026 Race Day: Sunday, April 26, 2026
- 2026 Charity Entry Deadline: Most close by late January 2026
- 2027 Ballot Opens (Predicted): April 25–26, 2026
- 2027 Ballot Closes (Predicted): May 1, 2026
For the official updates, head to the TCS London Marathon website.
Don't risk missing the window. The public ballot is typically open for just six days. It is easy to miss the announcement while watching the race coverage. Set up a BibsAlert to get an email the moment the 2027 ballot opens.
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 (2027 Focus)
This is the most popular way to enter. It is a completely random draw.
Status for 2026: CLOSED. (The window was April–May 2025).
Status for 2027: OPENING APRIL 2026. The ballot for the 2027 race is expected to open on or around race day (April 26, 2026). Entering the ballot is usually free. However, there is also a second-chance draw option where you pay the full entry fee upfront (approx. £69.99) to get an additional chance if you don't get selected in the main ballot.
2. Charity Entries (Urgent for 2026)
If you missed the ballot for the 2026 race, this is your last chance. Most major charities (Gold Bond holders) have filled their teams, but many smaller charities still have spots available as of January 2026.
Cost: You will likely pay a registration fee (approx. £50–£100) and commit to raising a minimum amount, typically between £2,000 and £2,500.
Deadline: You must act now. Most charities close their applications by late January to give runners time to train and fundraise.
Pro tip: While most charities are usually sold out by the end of summer, it's worth reaching out anyway and getting on their waitlist. Unfortunately, lots of people get injured or can't race anymore, so being on the list can get you a spot.
3. Good For Age (GFA)
If you are a fast runner resident in the UK, you can apply for a "Good For Age" place.
Status for 2026: CLOSED. (Applications were open in October 2025).
Status for 2027: The qualifying period typically runs from October to September. If you run a qualifying time (e.g., sub-3:00 for men under 40, sub-3:45 for women under 40) during this window, you can apply in October 2026.
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 usually include race entry, hotel accommodation, and sometimes travel. They are expensive but reliable.
Status for 2026: Limited availability. Some operators may still have packages, but they sell out quickly after the ballot results are announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more detailed information, check out the official London Marathon website.
When do I find out if I got in via the ballot?
For the 2026 race, results were already announced in July 2025. For the 2027 ballot (opening this April), results will likely be announced in July 2026.
Can I defer my entry?
Generally, no. The London Marathon has removed the automatic deferral option for most runners. Exceptions are made for pregnancy or postpartum (with a longer deferral window allowed). If you are injured, you usually cannot defer without losing your fee.