London Marathon 2026 ballot: How to apply to participate in NEXT year's huge annual race
MISSED out on the London Marathon 2025?
Well, don't panic as details of how to enter the London Marathon 2026 ballot have been revealed!
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Thousands will all be hoping to book their place in the 2026 London Marathon
Credit: Getty
Here is everything you need to know about how to apply for next year's race if you're up for it.
How can I apply for the London Marathon 2026?
To apply for the London Marathon 2026, head to the official TCS London Marathon website and sign up through the 'public ballot'.
The ballot typically opens the day before the current year's event - so this year, it is likely to open on Saturday, April 26.
However, it is expected to close on Friday, May 2, so you'll need to be quick.
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Results of the ballot will be received in July.
For the 2025 race, a record-breaking 840,318 people entered the ballot and there are usually only around 17,000 places allocated to the ballot. The rest are spread across charity, good for age and tour operators.
If you still don't get a place, you're not left entirely empty handed – you'll be sent a training shirt as a consolation prize. If you choose to donate your entry fee, you only pay £49.99 instead of the full £69.99.
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What are the other ways to enter the London Marathon 2026?
Good for Age
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Good for Age is only open to UK residents with a total of 6,000 places available. These places are split 50/50 between men and women and they are allocated on a fastest first basis.
That means that hitting the required time for your age group isn't a guarantee that you'll get a place.
Charity places
If Good for Age doesn't quite work out, you can apply for a place at the London Marathon 2026 by applying for a charity place.
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You must commit to a minimum fundraising amount.
Tour operators
International runners can get a guaranteed place at the London Marathon by booking with an official your operator.
These packages typically include your entry, plus a hotel and race hospitality packages.
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Read more on the Irish Sun
When is the London Marathon 2026?
A date is yet to be confirmed for what will be the 46th edition of the anuaul huge race.
But it is more than likely to be at the end of April similar to other years.
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