When Does The London Marathon 2027 Ballot Open

So, you’ve been thinking about it. Maybe you were halfway through a Monday morning zoom call, staring out the window, when the thought popped into your head: “What if I ran the London Marathon?” It’s a big, scary, brilliant thought. And the first step isn’t running a single mile—it’s knowing when the London Marathon 2027 ballot actually opens.

Let’s get the key date on your calendar right now. The ballot for the 2027 TCS London Marathon typically opens in late April or early May 2026. Yes, you read that right—over a year before the race. It feels weirdly early, like booking a Christmas holiday in January, but that’s the secret sauce of this whole thing.

The Window of Opportunity (It’s Tiny)

Imagine this: it’s a Tuesday evening. You’ve just finished a takeaway curry, and you’re scrolling through your phone. Suddenly, you spot a post: “London Marathon Ballot is OPEN!” That’s your moment. The window is usually open for about a week, sometimes less. Miss it, and you’re waiting another whole year.

It feels a bit like trying to snag a popular concert ticket. Except instead of queuing for Taylor Swift, you’re queuing for the chance to run 26.2 miles past Big Ben. Strange, but wonderful.

Why Should You Even Care?

I know what you’re thinking: “I’m not a proper runner. I just jog to the bus stop.” Here’s the thing—most people who enter the ballot aren’t elite athletes. They’re people like Sarah, a primary school teacher who did her first 5k during lunch breaks. Or Tom, a dad of three who trained while pushing a pram.

The London Marathon is the most democratic major marathon in the world. It doesn’t care if you’re fast. It cares if you try. The ballot is your golden ticket, and it doesn’t matter if you plan to run it in 3 hours or 6 hours. The same route, the same crowd, the same finish line on The Mall.

Think of it as the universe giving you permission to aim for something ridiculous. It’s the official “go on then” for your midlife crisis, your New Year’s resolution, or your “I need to prove I can still do hard things” moment.

What Happens When You Enter the Ballot?

You fill out a simple online form. Name, email, a couple of quick questions. It takes less than three minutes. That’s faster than deciding what to watch on Netflix on a Friday night. You pay a small entry fee (usually around £25-£35). Then you wait.

Waiting is the hard part. The ballot results usually come out in June or July. You’ll get an email that either says “Congratulations!” or “Sorry, better luck next year.” It’s like opening an exam results envelope, but with less sweat and more hope.

If you get in, you’re in. If you don’t? Don’t despair. There are charity places. Thousands of runners raise money for causes they care about. It’s a brilliant Plan B. You commit to raising a set amount, and the charity gives you a guaranteed spot. It makes the race feel even more meaningful.

The Little Things That Make It Worth It

Picture this: race day morning. You’re standing at the start line in Greenwich, wearing a bin bag to keep warm. Strangers are chatting, nervous energy buzzing. Then the cannon goes off. You start shuffling forward, and soon you’re running past the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.

The crowd is what makes it magical. A tiny old lady hands out jelly babies at mile 20. A kid holds up a sign that says, “You’re nearly there – and you smell fine!” A drumming band in Bermondsey lifts your spirits when your legs are screaming. You will cry. You will laugh. You will want to stop. And then you won’t.

Crossing the finish line is like winning a tiny, personal Oscar. You’ll get a medal, a goodie bag, and a feeling that lasts for weeks. You’ll walk funny for three days. It’s completely worth it.

How to Make Sure You Don’t Miss It

Don’t rely on memory. Set a reminder on your phone for early April 2026. Follow the official London Marathon social media accounts. Sign up for their email newsletter now (seriously, do it today while you’re reading this).

Also, have a conversation with future-you. Tell your partner, your best mate, or your dog: “I’m thinking of entering the ballot.” Saying it out loud makes it real. It also means someone will check in with you when the results come out. Accountability matters.

A Quick Reality Check (But Fun)

You don’t need to be fit to enter the ballot. You just need to be hopeful. The training starts after you get in. So don’t let your current fitness level stop you. The marathon is nine months away from the ballot result. Nine months is ages. You can learn to cook a soufflé in that time. You can definitely learn to run 26 miles.

And yes, you will have bad training days. You’ll run in the rain. You’ll have achy knees. You’ll question your life choices. But then you’ll have good days—glorious, sunny runs where you feel like you could go forever. Those days make the blisters worth it.

So, When Does It Open?

To be crystal clear: the London Marathon 2027 ballot will open (likely) in late April or early May 2026. Check the official website for the exact date, but start getting excited now. It’s okay to mark your calendar with a little heart emoji. Or a sweaty face emoji. Both are appropriate.

You don’t need to be ready. You just need to be willing. The road starts with a single click of a button. That click is the hardest part. After that, it’s just one foot in front of the other, from Greenwich to The Mall. And honestly? You can do it.