World record number enter public ballot for 2027 London Marathon

A world record-breaking 1,338,544 people have applied in the public ballot for an entry to the 2027 TCS London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 25 April next year.

That shatters the previous world-record total of 1,133,813, which was set last year in the ballot for London and represents an 18% increase year on year and more than double the total applications for the 2024 TCS London Marathon (578,304).

London also saw the highest-ever number of finishers in a marathon this year, with 59,830 crossing the line.

The total number of UK applications for 2027 was 1,008,091, meaning that 1.8% of the entire UK population has been inspired to get active and apply to take part in next year’s TCS London Marathon.

Over a third under 30 years old

The highest number of UK applicants were women aged 20-29, with more than 179,000 applicants, and more than 35% of the UK applicants were aged 18-29.

A total of 503,284 were applications from men (49.92% of the total), 498,985 from women (49.50% of the total) and 5,822 (0.58% of the total) from non-binary applicants.

There were a further 330,450 applications from non-UK residents – from more than 200 countries – including more than 92,000 from the US, more than 34,000 from France, more than 21,000 from Ireland and more than 14,000 from Germany.

History-making edition

The publicity for London has never been higher – Sabastian Sawe became the first person to break the two-hour barrier in this year’s race while organisers have also confirmed they are hoping it could be a two day event in 2027, meaning double the number of public places available.

Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, organisers of the TCS London Marathon, said: “This astonishing total of more than 1.33 million ballot applicants firmly establishes London as the world’s most sought‑after marathon. Nothing else comes close.

“The 2026 TCS London Marathon was a landmark edition. The world’s most popular marathon became the biggest and fastest, with 59,830 finishers crossing the iconic line on The Mall and world records in both the men’s and women’s elite races.

“We witnessed history too: Sabastian Sawe became the first man to break the two‑hour barrier in a competitive marathon, and Tigst Assefa once again rewrote the record books with a new women‑only world record and for the first time in a marathon, three women ran under 2 hours 16 minutes in the same race.

“We also saw unprecedented participation from young people over the weekend. A record 19,600 children took part in the TCS Mini London Marathon, and more than 610,000 completed the Mini Marathon in their schools across the UK.

“Our mission is to inspire people of every age and ability to get active – and these extraordinary numbers show the massive draw and power of the TCS London Marathon.”

Ballot results will be announced by early July, with places allocated through a completely random draw.