All the info you need to know if you fancy taking on the 26.2 mile challenge
The London Marathon is one of the most famous races in the world; over 53,000 runners finished the 2024 marathon, and there are more set to head for the start line for the 2025 London Marathon on Sun 27th April. If you’re not participating this year but you do want to give it a go, you can get your name in the mix for next year’s race by entering the ballot.
When does the 2026 London Marathon ballot open?
The draw for the 2026 London Marathon opens before this year’s race has even begun, running from Fri 25th April to Fri 2nd May. That means you have just a week to get your name in the mix.
What are the chances of securing a place in the 2026 London Marathon?
The London Marathon is extremely popular – a record-breaking 840,318 people applied for a place for last year’s race and there are only around 17,000 ballot places available. The ballot is drawn at random so although the chances of actually getting one might be slim, everyone’s in the same boat, and you’ve gotta be in it to win it!
How does the 2026 London Marathon ballot work?
The entry fee for the London Marathon is £69.99, and if you opt to donate your entry fee to the London Marathon Foundation and you secure a ballot place, the figure gets reduced to £49.99. If you’re unsuccessful in the first ballot, you’ll automatically go into a second draw, and then if you still don’t bag a spot and you’ve donated your fee, you’ll receive a London Marathon training top as thanks for your donation. The ballot results will be emailed to entrants in July 2025.
What happens if you get a place for the 2026 London Marathon?
If you do manage to score a ballot place, and you’ve opted to donate your fee, your entry is prepaid and confirmed. If you’ve secured a place without the donation, you’ll need to pay the full entry fee of £69.99 (a deadline will be specified for this after the ballot has been drawn). And then it’s time to get training!
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Key Information
Dates | Fri 25th April – Fri 2nd May 2025
For more information | londonmarathonevents.co.uk