How to enter the London Marathon 2025 after record numbers apply

Runners joke that securing a place in the race is harder than participating, with more than 410,000 entering the ballot last year

Organisers said on Monday (April 29) they had received more than 840,000, beating last year’s record of 578,000.

Of the 672,631 UK applications, 50.33 per cent came from men, 49.03 per cent from women, and 0.64 per cent from non-binary applicants.

The international ballot attracted applications from 167,687 non-UK residents.

The 2024 event on April 21 involved 44 Guinness World Records being broken and £67 million raised for charity.

“This is an absolutely phenomenal total,” said Hugh Brasher, event director for the TCS London Marathon.

“Furthermore, the increase in applications from women, up from around 43 per cent last year to 49 per cent this year, is exceptional and takes us close to parity for applications from men and women for the first time.”

The ballot opened on April 29 — one day after more than 50,000 finished the biggest ever event in the capital. 

Peres Jepchirchir completed the 26.2 miles in two hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds to break the women’s world record, while Kenyan Alexander Mutiso Munyao won the men’s race.

Runners joke that securing a place in the race is harder than participating, with more than 410,000 entering the ballot last year. 

However, there are things you can do to improve your chance of being on the starting line in 2025 or if you want to run again.

Next year’s event is on Sunday, April 27. 

London Marathon
Runners pass the halfway mark of the 2024 London Marathon at Tower Bridge
Peter Cziborra / Reuters

Is it too late to enter the London Marathon ballot for 2025?

The ballot closed on Friday, April 26. 

Everyone who has entered the ballot has the same chance and it comes down to the luck of the draw. 

Those who entered will find out if they got a place in the main ballot in July 2025 — although organisers said there was no exact date for finding out.

Charity places are also on offer to runners
Gareth Fuller / PA

What is the second ballot? 

When you applied, you would have been asked if you would like to donate your entry fee of £69.99. 

Donating this at the first stage will also qualify you for a second ballot — which will double your chances of getting a place on the start line. 

If you are unsuccessful in both ballots, you’ll receive a free premium winter running top and your fee will go to the London Marathon Foundation. 

How else can I enter the London Marathon? 

You can still enter if you do not get a place in either ballot.

Most major charities are given a set number of places every year — although you will need to commit to fundraising, sometimes a large amount, to be given a spot. 

You can also get better access to a place if you are part of a running club’s first team or if you are really quick, you can apply for a ‘good for age’ place

You can also set an even faster qualification time to secure automatic entry. The cost of a place for international participants is £120, plus a £26 carbon offset levy.

To enter via an official tour operator, click here.

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