![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2147979748-c590.jpg\")
\n\t\tRunners have a chance to take part in one of the biggest races in the world in 2027 (Photo via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tRunners have a chance to take part in one of the biggest races in the world in 2027 (Photo via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
As runners gear up for this year\u2019s London Marathon<\/a> on Sunday, those who may have missed out have a chance to enter next year\u2019s race.<\/p>\n Anyone keen to take on the 26.2-mile challenge around the capital in 2027 has a chance to do so from Friday, 24 April.<\/p>\n The 2025 ballot set a new world record for entries, with an incredible 1,133,813 people signing up for a chance to race, shattering the 840,318 record from the year before.<\/p>\n More than 59,000 runners are expected to take part in the 2026 London Marathon on Sunday.<\/p>\n Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said: \u2018I think that marathon running is so popular because it genuinely brings people together.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018And having these real-life experiences is what the world needs more of \u2013 and people are reaching out for more.\u2019<\/p>\n \u2018The vast, vast majority of people are unbelievably welcoming. That\u2019s what the London Marathon shows; that\u2019s what marathons around the world show. And I think we need more of that community spirit and more of that togetherness.\u2019<\/p>\n More than 1.3 million people have completed the London Marathon since its inception in 1981. As of 2025, it holds the record for the world\u2019s largest marathon, with 56,640 finishers in that year alone.<\/p>\n Runners have also raised an extraordinary \u00a31.4 billion for charity<\/a>.<\/p>\n How do I sign up for the London Marathon 2027?<\/p>\n \t\t Next year\u2019s London Marathon<\/a> will be held on Sunday 25 April, 2027.<\/p>\n There is a prospect that next year\u2019s event could take place over two days to allow more people to take part, following record-breaking demand in previous years.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tLatest London news\t\t\t<\/p>\n To get the latest news from the capital, visit Metro’s London news hub<\/a>.<\/p>\n Prospective marathon runners can sign up by entering a public ballot, with winners drawn at random.<\/p>\n When does the London Marathon ballot open?<\/p>\n The ballot for the 2027 London Marathon opens today, Friday, April 24, at 9am (BST).<\/p>\n It will stay open until 4pm (BST) on Friday, May 1.<\/p>\n The results will be announced at the start of July. Should a two-day event\u2019s permissions be granted, applicants will be automatically entered for both, increasing their chances of success.<\/p>\n How much does it cost to run the London Marathon?<\/p>\n Running the London Marathon generally costs \u00a379.99 for successful UK ballot applicants.<\/p>\n If you are a UK resident, and choose to donate your entry fee to support the work of the\u00a0London Marathon Foundation\u00a0during the ballot process if your entry is unsuccessful, your entry fee is reduced from \u00a379.99 to \u00a349.99.<\/p>\n International entries are higher at\u00a0\u00a3225, which includes a carbon offset fee. <\/p>\n If you choose to enter through a charity place, there is a registration fee (usually around \u00a3120) and a pledge of a minimum sponsorship, typically around\u00a0\u00a32,500.<\/p>\n What happens if I don\u2019t get a place in the first ballot?<\/p>\n \t\t If you don\u2019t get a place in the main ballot, not all hope is lost.<\/p>\n You will automatically be entered into a second ballot, and you will at least double your chance of getting a place through that second draw.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you are successful in either the first or second ballot, your entry is prepaid and confirmed.<\/p>\n How do I know if I\u2019m on the ballot?<\/p>\n First of all, you\u2019ll receive a confirmation email when you apply, as well as a payment receipt if you donate your entry fee.<\/p>\n Organisers of the marathon recommend checking your junk folder if you don\u2019t see a confirmation email soon after applying.<\/p>\n The results of the 2027 London Marathon ballot will be emailed to all entrants in July 2026 \u2013 the exact date has not been confirmed.<\/p>\n What if I\u2019m unsuccessful in both?<\/p>\n \t\t If you are unsuccessful both times, you will receive a \u2018free hydration vest\u2019 worth over \u00a3100, and the money you entered will be donated to the London Marathon Foundation.<\/p>\n Top-rated marathons in the UK if you don\u2019t get into London<\/p>\n If you aren\u2019t lucky enough to be able to race in\u00a0London<\/a> next year, never fear, as there are plenty of other options across the UK.<\/p>\n From the Manchester <\/a>Marathon, billed as the flattest and most beginner-friendly, to the Great Welsh Marathon offering stunning views of the Llanelli Millennium Coastal Park, there\u2019s bound to be another option for you.<\/p>\n The Brighton <\/a>Marathon is held a few weeks before the London Marathon, or you could head to Blackpool <\/a>and take in all of the seaside resort\u2019s tourist spots en route.<\/p>\n Edinburgh<\/a> Marathon is also known for its super-flat route, making it a great option for beginners, or if you want more of a challenge, the multi-terrain New Forest Marathon takes you through the heart of the stunning national park.<\/p>\n Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more stories like this, check our news page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Arrow Arrow Arrow![\"TCS](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2148008957.jpg\")
\n\t\tLondon will be packed full of runners on Sunday (Picture: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2211673768-b7cb.jpg\")
\n\t\tRunners often enter the London marathon through a charity place (Photo by Alishia Abodunde\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Fun](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/britain\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/SEI_200892779-b824.jpg\")
\n\t\tRunners love to dress up in silly costumes for the event (Picture: HENRY NICHOLLS\/AFP)<\/p>\n
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