The ballot for the 2027 London Marathon opens today
The odds of succeeding in the London Marathon ballot are never in anyone’s favour – but you don’t know if you don’t try...
www.womenshealthmag.comHere’s the latest on the London Marathon ballot for 2027, based on the most recent reporting.
-
When entries opened and close: The 2027 London Marathon ballot opened in late April 2026 and ran through May 1, 2026, closing at 4pm BST. Winners were then due to be announced in early July 2026. This timeline was consistent across multiple outlets reporting the opening and close dates.[2][3][5]
-
Ballot odds and format: Coverage emphasizes that ballot success is highly competitive, with very low odds for individuals securing a place, which is typical for the public ballot year after year. There has been notable discussion about a potential two-day format for 2027, which could affect how entries are allocated and may impact ballot dynamics if approved, though this remains under consideration rather than confirmed as a change for the 2027 event.[3][6][7][8][2]
-
How to enter and what to expect: Entrants could sign up online during the seven-day window, and results are typically announced by early July the following year. Several outlets reiterate the process: apply during the ballot window, await a random draw result, and practice is to plan for a likely low probability of selection, with many still seeking alternative routes if not selected in the ballot.[5][10][2][3]
-
Notable context from recent reporting: There was record interest in 2027’s ballot, with some articles noting the scale of applications and the possibility of a two-day event format if approved, which would influence the overall structure of entry opportunities.[6][7][8][5]
Illustrative note:
- If you’re aiming for a 2027 entry, prepare to apply during the open window and explore additional routes (charity places, club entries) as backups, given the typically low ballot success rate.[2][3]
Would you like a concise checklist for applying next year and a quick comparison of potential entry routes (ballot, charity, club) with estimated probabilities based on recent years? I can also pull the most current official guidelines if you want precise dates and links.