Paris Marathon 2027: 166,000 runners chasing a bib

It will be several months before the Champs-Élysées, once again expected to host the start, fills with runners. But in Paris, the marathon has already begun. And it starts with a battle for the coveted bib. The lottery entry window closed at midnight on September 30. The result: 166,000 applications for the 2027 ASICS Paris Marathon. A spectacular turnout.

The figure immediately shows just how attractive the race has become. In 2026, the Paris Marathon brought together 58,853 participants from 126 nationalities, with almost one runner in two taking on their first marathon. For the 50th edition, demand has already far outstripped the race's capacity. Introducing a lottery is also one of the biggest changes to the Paris event. The time at which an applicant enters no longer determines their chances of securing a bib. All eligible entries go into the same draw.

The change turns the traditional first-come, first-served system on its head. No more anxiously watching for entries to open or trying to get through a platform overloaded within seconds. For this first edition of the lottery, everyone in Paris was theoretically playing by the same rules. With 166,000 applicants, the suspense is bound to be intense.

The marathon as a shared project

Another takeaway from this campaign is that Paris is no longer just about the solo runner and their time goal. The "Esprit d’équipe" initiative brought together around 14,000 teams, representing more than 28,000 runners entering the Marathon and Half Marathon collectively. Applicants can enter in teams of two to six people, and if one member is selected, the entire group gains access. Another sign of the appeal of both races: applicants for the 2027 Paris Marathon represent 165 countries, compared with 135 for the Half Marathon.

Lottery results: October 1 is when the marathon really begins

Starting Thursday, October 1, applicants will begin receiving their results by email. Those selected will then have 72 hours to confirm their participation and pay for their bib. Unconfirmed places will be released in further lottery rounds. In other words, missing out in the first wave does not necessarily mean the adventure is over.

For those who ultimately miss out, several other routes into the race remain open: charity entries, corporate offers, partner tour operators and, from December 1, an official resale platform for runners who are ultimately unable to make it to the start line.