London Marathon Ballot: 2027 Introduces Two-Day Format
The 2027 London Marathon ballot introduces a potential two-day format, significantly increasing participants’ chances of securing a spot. If approved, the event may take place on both Saturday and Sunday, allowing more runners to participate.
The ballot for the TCS London Marathon opened on April 24, 2026, and will close at 4pm on May 1, 2026. This gives hopeful entrants just one week to submit their applications online for free.
Those selected through the ballot will pay an entry fee of £79.99. Runners can also opt for a double entry, which costs £99.98—offering them two chances to secure a coveted spot in this prestigious event.
In recent years, interest in the marathon has surged dramatically. A record-breaking 1,133,813 people applied for a ballot place for the 2026 marathon alone. This figure highlights the growing popularity of marathon training and fundraising efforts associated with such events.
The results of the ballot will be announced by early July 2026. Entrants who are not successful in either ballot will receive a free hydration vest valued at over £100—a consolation prize that underscores the event’s commitment to participants.
“The winners are drawn at random, so everyone has an equal shot,” officials stated. This ensures that each entry is treated fairly within the competitive landscape of marathon running.
But what happens if the two-day format is not approved? Officials have yet to confirm whether this change will be implemented, leaving many runners uncertain about their plans.
As marathon training intensifies in preparation for April 25, 2027, participants are eager to know how many spots will be available across two days—if permitted.
The introduction of a two-day format could revolutionize how marathons are organized in London and beyond. It may also set a precedent for future events worldwide.
With fundraising efforts ramping up alongside training schedules, this year’s marathon promises to be one of the most competitive yet.