So, you’ve watched the TCS London Marathon on TV – and now you want to take part… well, you’re not alone! Each year, hundreds of thousands of hopefuls apply for a place in the world’s most popular marathon. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced runner, there are several ways to secure your spot. Here’s what you need to know.
Ways to enter the London Marathon 2026
There are several different ways to get on the London Marathon start line next year:
- The ballot
- Charity entry
- Good for Age place
- A tour operator
- A running club
The London Marathon 2026 will take place on Sunday, 26 April 2026.
The ballot
The public ballot for the 2026 London Marathon opened on Friday, 25 April 2025, and will close on Friday, 2 May 2025.
Anyone can apply to enter, and successful applicants are chosen through a random draw. It doesn’t cost anything to enter the ballot, but if you’re successful, you’ll need to pay the entry fee of £79.99.
If you choose to donate your fee to the London Marathon Foundation when you apply, the entry cost is reduced to £49.99. Plus, if you donate and are unsuccessful in the first draw, you’ll automatically be entered into a second ballot, giving you another chance to gain a place.
London is the most popular marathon in the world — over 840,000 people applied through the ballot for the 2025 race. Typically, between 17,000 and 20,000 runners are successful each year, so it’s highly competitive.
The results of the 2026 ballot will be announced by email in July 2025.
Enter the ballot here.
A charity entry
If you miss out in the ballot — or simply want to run for a good cause — a charity place could be your ticket to the start line.
Each year, major charities are allocated a set number of London Marathon 2026 places. To secure one, you usually need to commit to raising a minimum fundraising amount. Every charity sets its own fundraising target, but it’s typically between £1,500 and £2,500.
Charity places can be highly rewarding, giving you the chance to run for a cause close to your heart while being part of a supportive team.
Good for Age place
Runners who achieve a qualifying time in another official marathon may be eligible for a Good for Age place at the London Marathon 2026.
The qualifying period for Good for Age entries for the 2025 race ran from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024, so it’s likely a similar window will apply for 2026.
Good for Age places are only available for UK residents. The qualifying times vary based on age and gender, and spaces are limited, so even meeting the time doesn’t always guarantee a place.
A tour operator
If you live outside the UK, don’t worry — you can still get a place through an approved international tour operator.
The official London Marathon website lists recognised tour operators who offer travel packages, which often include guaranteed race entry alongside accommodation and other support.
It’s a popular option for runners wanting a hassle-free way to experience one of the world’s greatest races.
Through running clubs
Athletics clubs affiliated with British Athletics may be allocated a number of guaranteed entries for the London Marathon 2026.
The number of places a club receives depends on how many first-claim members over the age of 18 it has registered with British Athletics.
Each club manages its own process for allocating these places, so check with your club secretary or membership team if you are part of a club.
What is London Marathon MyWay?
If you prefer a more flexible marathon experience, the TCS London Marathon MyWay could be for you.
This option allows participants to complete 26.2 miles anywhere they like — whether that’s a local park, country lanes, or even a treadmill at home. You have from 00:00 to 23:59:59 BST on Sunday, 26 April 2026 to complete the distance.
The start line? Wherever you choose.
It’s a great alternative for those who want to experience the magic of the marathon without travelling to London or tackling the traditional race-day crowds.
Q&A
Your most asked questions about the race.
Who holds the men’s and women’s records for London Marathon?
As of 2024, the men’s course record is held by Kelvin Kiptum (Kenya) with a time of 2:01:25, set in 2023. The women’s course record is held by Tigst Assefa (Ethiopia) with a time of 2:15:50, set in 2025.
What’s the average finishing time for London Marathon?
The average finishing time for the London Marathon is around 4 hours 30 minutes. However, finishing times vary widely depending on experience, training and personal goals.
Where does the London Marathon start and finish?
The London Marathon traditionally starts in Blackheath and finishes on The Mall, just in front of Buckingham Palace.
Where are the best hotels to stay (near the start line) for London Marathon?
If you want to stay close to the start, consider hotels in Greenwich, Blackheath or Canary Wharf. Some popular options include:
- Novotel London Greenwich
- DoubleTree by Hilton London Greenwich
- De Vere Devonport House
- InterContinental London – The O2 (a little further away but well connected)
Booking early is strongly advised, as accommodation near the start line fills up quickly!
