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 I can share based on recent reporting:
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Ballot results for the London Marathon are typically announced a few weeks after the ballot closes, with thousands of applicants eagerly awaiting whether they secured a place. For the 2024 ballot, a record number of entries topped half a million, and results were released in the following days. The same cycle in 2025 and 2026 followed the established pattern of notifying successful applicants by email and offering charity and “My Way” alternatives to those who were not selected.[2][3][4]
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In recent years, the number of ballot entries has continued to reach unprecedented levels, underscoring the event’s global popularity and competitiveness. For example, 840,000+ people entered the ballot for the 2025 edition, marking a historic high and reflecting the ongoing demand for a place in the race. The news coverage around these waves of applications typically emphasizes the sheer volume and the likelihood of disappointment for many applicants.[1][3]
What this means for you
- If you’re hoping to participate via the ballot in the near future, expect a multi-week wait from ballot close to announcement of results, with a strong chance of not securing a place given the high demand noted in recent years.[1][2]
- If you don’t get in, there are viable alternatives such as charity entries or the “My Way” option which lets you run the distance anywhere in the world on a designated day, typically with a fundraising commitment.[1]
Illustrative link to current guidance
- How to enter and what to expect in the London Marathon ballot window and result announcements: a general guide published around the 2025–2026 cycle. This resource covers eligibility, deadlines, and the typical notification timeline, useful for planning ahead.[4]
If you’d like, I can summarize the most up-to-date official timelines and key dates for the current ballot cycle from a specific source, or help you set reminders for important deadlines. Please tell me which format you prefer (brief bullet list, or a small calendar of dates).