How to Get Into the London Marathon 2027: Ballot Odds, Entry Guide, Charity Places & Training Tips

Entering and Training for the London Marathon

That time of year has rolled around again. Hundreds of thousands of hopeful runners sit staring at their screens, inching forward in an online queue, waiting for their shot at one of the most iconic races in the world. Entering the London Marathon has become something of a ritual, part patience, part luck, and for most people, a lesson in managing expectations.

For the majority, entry comes down to the open ballot. It really is a roll-of-the-dice moment, hit lucky, and you’re in; miss out, and it’s the familiar “not this time” email landing in your inbox. It’s all part of the experience now, frustrating as it can be.

2027 date is Sunday 25th Aprril 2027, but there could be a second date too.

Big changes for the 2027 ballot

There’s a bit of excitement, and plenty of chatter, around what 2027 could bring for the London Marathon. The rumour mill suggests that, for the first time, there may be two race days instead of one, with events taking place across both Saturday and Sunday. While nothing has been officially confirmed just yet, it’s widely believed that plans are already well advanced behind the scenes.

If that does come to fruition, it’s a pretty significant shift. Entering the 2027 ballot could effectively place you in the running for both race days, giving you a noticeably better chance of securing a place. For an event where the odds are usually stacked heavily against you, that’s a big deal.

So, if you’ve been sitting on the fence about entering, this might be the year to go for it.

How to enter the 2027 London Marathon

The process itself couldn’t be simpler:

• Head to the official London Marathon website

• Find and select the ballot entry page

• Complete the form carefully

• Submit and keep hold of your confirmation email

• Then, of course, share it on social media (it’s basically tradition at this point)

  
  

At the end of the process, you’ll be given the option to pay £49.99 to enter a second ballot. The standard entry is free and gives you one shot; paying gives you two.

Are you entering London 2027?

• 0%Yes
• 0%No

Is the £49.99 second ballot worth it?

Here’s where opinions start to form.

If you’re unsuccessful, you don’t get that money back. Instead, it goes into the London Marathon ecosystem, and in return, you’ll receive a running vest, more hydration pack than old-school singlet. Organisers say it’s worth around £100.

Now, I’ll be honest. I’m not entirely sold. From what I’ve seen, it doesn’t look like it stacks up against something you’d go out and buy yourself. It’s a nice gesture, but I do wonder how many of these will end up unused at the back of a cupboard, or worse.

Personally, I’d rather see that money directed toward initiatives that help underrepresented groups get into running or support grassroots sport. But that’s just my take, others will see value in the extra chance alone, and that’s fair enough.

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Training for the London Marathon

If entering is the easy part, training is where the real work begins.

A typical marathon training block ranges from 14 to 24 weeks, depending on your starting fitness. If you’ve already got a solid base, you might get away with 12–14 weeks. If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to build gradually and avoid injury.

And if you’re reading this thinking, “I haven’t run properly since school, can I really do this?” the answer is yes. Absolutely.

The key is structure, consistency, and patience.

Building a marathon training plan

A good plan should include a mix of easy runs to build endurance, longer runs to prepare your body for race day distance, and faster sessions to improve efficiency. Strength training plays a role too, helping reduce the risk of injury, while proper rest and recovery are just as important as the miles themselves.

This is where having guidance can make a big difference, and for me, that’s where Runna comes in.

I’ve used Runna as my training partner for the last few years, and it’s been a game changer. It builds a personalised plan around your current fitness, your goal (whether that’s just finishing or chasing a time), and your schedule. You get proper structure, a good mix of run types to keep things interesting, integrated strength sessions, and access to coaching support when you need it.

I’ve written a couple of in-depth posts on this already, including my full Runna Training App Review and a breakdown of how I use Runna for marathon and ultra training. If you want a deeper dive before committing, those are worth a read.

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Runna free trial

If you want to give it a go, you can get a free trial of Runna Premium using code ANDY2. Just download the app, enter the code, and you’ll unlock full access for two weeks, which is double the usual trial period.

You can redeem that free trail code on this link

https://web.runna.com/redeem?code=ANDY2

It’s a good way to see if the structure works for you before committing, and I’d recommend actually following the plan properly during those two weeks to get the most out of it. If you do try it, drop a comment on the blog and let me know how you get on.

Staying motivated through the process

Training for a marathon isn’t just physical, it’s mental. There will be weeks where everything clicks, and others where getting out the door feels like a battle. That’s normal.

Having some variety in your training, tracking your progress, and being part of a wider running community can make a huge difference. Breaking the journey down into smaller milestones, your first 5K without stopping, your first 10K, your longest run—helps keep things manageable and rewarding.

Final thoughts

Getting into the London Marathon is never guaranteed, but that’s part of what makes it special. Whether you’re entering for the first time or trying again after a few “not this time” emails, every year brings a fresh chance.

And if you do get that place, the real adventure starts. Training for a marathon will challenge you, no doubt, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do as a runner.

If you’ve entered the 2027 ballot, you’re already on the journey. Now it’s just a case of seeing where it takes you.

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London Marathon FAQ (2027 Entry, Ballot Odds, Charity Places & Training)

When is the London Marathon 2027?

The London Marathon 2027 is expected to take place on Sunday 25th April 2027, continuing its traditional springtime slot in the international marathon calendar. This is the date most runners should plan around when considering training schedules, ballot entry, and travel arrangements.

There is also growing speculation that 2027 could introduce a major format change, with a second race potentially taking place on Saturday 24th April 2027.

While this has not yet been officially confirmed, it has been widely discussed that the event may expand across a full weekend for the first time, potentially increasing participation capacity and improving ballot success rates.

If confirmed, this would mean runners entering the 2027 ballot could be considered for either the Saturday or Sunday event—making it one of the most significant changes in London Marathon history and a key reason why early interest and entry could be more important than ever.

For anyone searching “when is the London Marathon 2027”, the key date remains Sunday 25th April 2027, with the possibility of an additional race day on Saturday 24th April 2027 still under consideration.

What are the chances of getting into the London Marathon ballot?

The odds of getting a place through the London Marathon ballot are famously low. In recent years, success rates have typically been well under 5%, with hundreds of thousands of applicants competing for a limited number of spots.

To put that into perspective, it’s often harder to get into the London Marathon than many major global races. That’s why so many runners apply year after year before finally getting lucky.

For 2027, if the proposed two-day race format goes ahead (Saturday and Sunday), that could improve your chances slightly, but demand is still expected to be huge.

Can you increase your chances in the London Marathon ballot?

Yes, slightly.

When you enter, you’ll have the option to pay £49.99 to enter a second ballot draw, effectively doubling your chances. It’s still not a guarantee, but statistically it gives you a better shot.

There’s also the possibility (for 2027) that entries may cover two race days, which could further increase the likelihood of securing a place.

What happens if you don’t get a ballot place?

If you’re unsuccessful in the ballot, don’t worry, there are still several ways to run the London Marathon:

• Charity places

• Good for Age entry (if you meet qualifying times)

• Championship entry (for elite runners)

• International tour operators (for overseas runners)

• Running clubs (limited allocations via affiliated clubs)

  
  

For most runners, the charity route is the most realistic alternative.

How do charity places for the London Marathon work?

Charity places are one of the most popular ways to secure a spot in the London Marathon.

Instead of relying on luck, you apply directly to a charity. If accepted, you’ll be given a guaranteed place, but there’s a catch:

• You’ll need to commit to a minimum fundraising target, typically between £1,500 and £2,500+

• You may also pay a small registration fee

  
  

In return, charities usually provide support, training advice, a running vest, and a community to be part of on race day.

Top tip: apply early. The most popular charities fill their places quickly, sometimes within weeks of the ballot results being announced.

Is it easier to get a charity place than the ballot?

In most cases, yes, but it’s not automatic.

Charities often receive far more applications than they have places available, so they’ll want to know:

• Why you’ve chosen their cause

• How you plan to fundraise

• Your connection to the charity (if any)

  
  

A strong application can make all the difference.

How long do you need to train for the London Marathon?

Most runners will need 14 to 24 weeks to train properly for a marathon.

• Beginners: aim for 20–24 weeks

• Intermediate runners: 16–20 weeks

• Experienced runners: 12–16 weeks

  
  

The key is building gradually, staying consistent, and allowing enough time for recovery.

Can a beginner run the London Marathon?

Yes, 100%.

Every year, thousands of first-time runners cross the finish line. If you can commit to a structured training plan and stay consistent, finishing a marathon is absolutely achievable, even if you’re starting from scratch.

What is the best way to train for a marathon?

The most effective marathon training plans include:

• Easy runs to build endurance

• Long runs to prepare for race distance

• Speed or interval sessions

• Strength and conditioning work

• Rest and recovery days

  
  

Many runners now use apps like Runna to follow a structured plan tailored to their ability and goals, rather than trying to figure it out themselves.

Is the London Marathon flat?

Yes, the London Marathon course is considered relatively flat and beginner-friendly, making it a popular choice for first-time marathon runners and those chasing a personal best.

There are a few gentle inclines, but nothing too severe compared to other major marathons.

When should you enter the London Marathon ballot?

The ballot for the London Marathon typically opens shortly before the current year’s race, usually in April, and stays open for a limited period. The 2027 London Marathon ballot entry window closes at 16:00 on May 1st 2026.

Results are normally announced later in the year, often around July.

If you’re planning to enter, don’t leave it to the last minute, make sure you complete your application before the deadline.

What is the London Marathon famous for?

The London Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and is known for:

• Incredible crowd support across the entire route

• Iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and The Mall

• Record-breaking fundraising (billions raised for charity)

• A mix of elite athletes and everyday runners

  
  

It’s not just a race, it’s an experience.

Is the London Marathon worth it?

If you get the chance to run it, absolutely.

From the atmosphere to the sense of achievement crossing the finish line, it’s one of those events that lives up to the hype. Whether you’re chasing a time, running for charity, or ticking off a bucket list goal, it’s a day you won’t forget.

If you’re entering the 2027 ballot, good luck, and if you don’t get in this time, there’s always another route to that start line.