How to Enter the London Marathon

At the end of April, runners everywhere turn their attention to England. The London Marathon is one of the most prestigious races in the world, attracting more than 50,000 participants to the UK each year for a unique sporting experience. As a member of the exclusive World Marathon Majors, the London Marathon has everything you would expect from a major event: atmosphere, course, performances, crowds and organisation. But before you can reach the start line, you’ll have to take on a first major challenge: securing your entry.

✓ How do you enter the London Marathon and secure the coveted place? We explain everything in this article.

The ballot: no guarantees

Like the other World Marathon Majors, including the New York City Marathon, Chicago and Boston, the London Marathon operates a ballot. With 578,374 ballot applications and 55,000 places, the odds are clear. There will always be some delighted runners and plenty of disappointed ones. Even so, the ballot is one of the ways to secure a London Marathon place. Applications for the following year’s race usually open after the event, at the end of April. You then have one week to submit your application. After that, all you can do is be patient and wait until October to find out whether you’ve been successful.

Charity entries: run for a cause

For runners who want to support a charity close to their heart, charity places are an excellent way to run the London Marathon. All you have to do is commit to one of the event’s partner charities. You’ll then need to raise a minimum amount in donations to confirm your entry. The charity programme is a complete package, with personalised training and a full set of running kit included. In 2024,
£73 million was raised. And, let’s be honest, for those who haven’t had much luck in the ballot, it’s also a reliable way to get a place on the start line.

Travel operators: turn race weekend into a proper trip

The London Marathon organiser works with official travel operators, event partners that can secure your place while helping you enjoy the full British experience. If you love travel, comfort and discovery, a travel package can make your London Marathon experience even more memorable. Operators offer all-inclusive packages including your race place, accommodation and sightseeing. No need to worry about the details: everything is arranged for you. It may cost more, but it’s an ideal option for runners who want to combine sport and travel.

Our advice: plan your trip with the operator well in advance.

Qualifying by performance: Good For Age places

A direct qualification is the perfect way to avoid the stress of the ballot. As the name suggests, direct qualification rewards those who value performance. The London Marathon has introduced its Good For Age system, which offers places to the fastest runners in each age category. You must meet the required qualifying times to secure your place. Qualifying places are limited, however. Unfortunately, the Good For Age programme is only available to UK residents.

The local legend advantage

UK residents have one more option. Some sports clubs, particularly athletics clubs, work with the TCS London Marathon. As a result, they receive places for the event.

You get the picture: simply reaching the London Marathon start line is already a marathon in its own right. If you want to enter the London Marathon, you’ll need patience and determination. That London Marathon finisher’s medal has to be earned.

✓ Marathon calendar