Over 1.3 million people have applied to run in the 2027 London Marathon, setting a new record for public ballot entries. Organisers confirmed that 1,338,544 individuals entered the draw for a spot in the race, which is scheduled for 25 April. This figure exceeds the previous record of 1,133,813 applications set during the 2026 ballot. The surge in interest highlights the growing global appeal of the event. The 2026 marathon saw 59,830 official finishers on race day. Successful applicants for the 2027 race will be notified after the ballot is processed. Additional places may be available through charity entries and international tour operators.
The sheer volume of applications exposes a gap between aspiration and reality for most runners, as only a fraction will secure entry. With over 1.3 million people entering, the odds of selection are heavily stacked against individual applicants. Many will have to seek alternative routes, such as charity partnerships, to take part. The marathon's popularity continues to outpace available slots.
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