Before the 2026 London Marathon has even rolled around, we’re already thinking ahead to the 2027 London Marathon. First came the news that next year’s event could be a two-day behemoth, with an estimated 100,000 runners set to take on the course across Saturday 25 and Sunday 25 April 2027. As it stands, the two-day set-up is still to be confirmed.
And now, we have all-important news about the 2027 London Marathon ballot, which will open in just a few days time on Friday 24 April at 9am GMT.
You’ll then have until 4pm GMT on Friday 1 May to enter, before the ballot results are announced by early July next year.
While some people like to believe that their inability to ever succeed in the London Marathon ballot is due to a conspiracy, this ballot is, in fact, a completely random draw, just like the National Lottery.
To put things into context, a world record-breaking 1,133,813 people entered the ballot for the 2026 London Marathon, which – without question – far exceeded the number of ballot places available.
If the 2027 London Marathon is indeed announced as a two-day event, your odds of winning a ballot place in the event will increase. But judging by application figures in recent years, you will still need some luck on your side...
Rachel is Runner's World UK's Senior Content Writer, covering all running-related topics from training advice and gear reviews to race reports and elite runner profiles. Formerly a Website Content Editor and Content Manager at London Marathon Events and The Running Channel respectively, Rachel is well-versed in the running scene and understands what it takes to put on some of the biggest running events in the world. A 2:50 marathoner, she would much rather run 26.2 miles than race a 5K and has currently completed 11 marathons, including five of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors in a sub-3 time. She now hopes to run the Tokyo Marathon to complete the set and become a Six Star Finisher.
