Have you entered the 2026 London Marathon ballot? - Runner's World
One thing’s for sure – you won’t be the only person to enter
www.runnersworld.comHere’s the latest on the London Marathon ballot.
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Ballot opening and results timeline: The London Marathon uses a yearly ballot to allocate remaining entries after charity and other routes. Ballot windows typically open in spring and results are announced in the early summer for the race that takes place the following spring. Recent reporting confirms there has been record demand in recent years, with hundreds of thousands entering the ballot and results released a short time after the close of entries. This pattern has continued for 2024 and 2025 cycles, with the 2025 ballot attracting a record number of applicants and notification emails going out to applicants when results are confirmed.[2][3]
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What to expect if you enter: If you gain a ballot place, you’ll receive an email notification and can begin training with the knowledge that your entry is secured for that year’s event. If you are unsuccessful, you’ll typically be given information on alternative routes (e.g., charity places) or suggestions to try again in subsequent ballots, along with ideas for other races you could join in the meantime.[6][2]
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How to stay informed for 2026 cycle: The ballot window and notification timing can vary slightly year to year, but major outlets tend to publish the upcoming year’s deadlines (opening date, closing date, and expected announcement window) well in advance. For the most accurate details, check the official London Marathon website and major UK running outlets as the ballot opens and closes, and again when results are due.[4][5][7]
Illustration: A typical path
- Ballot opens for year N+1 (late Apr to early May).
- Ballot closes (typically early May or a week-long window).
- Results announced in June or July for year N+1.
- Successful entrants prepare for Marathon Day; unsuccessful entrants pursue charity places or future ballots.
If you’d like, I can monitor for the exact dates and provide a concise update as soon as official announcements appear. I can also summarize the current year’s ballot statistics (total applications, UK vs international, gender split, etc.) once official figures are published.
Cited sources:
- London Marathon ballot results and record applications reporting (2024–2025 cycles)[3][2]
- Ballot entry and pathways post-units (alternative routes and “My Way” options)[6]