The london marathon 2027 ballot opens on Friday 24 April, with London Marathon Events saying the draw is completely random, like the National Lottery. The ballot results are due by early July, and the organizer is exploring whether the race could take place across two days in a one-off format. If permission is granted, all ballot entrants would be entered automatically into both the Saturday and Sunday events, though each person would only be able to run one.
Ballot opens Friday, with results due by early July
London Marathon Events said the opening of the ballot gives runners their first formal route into the 2027 race. The organization said the process is a random draw, and that the result will be shared by early July.
The immediate focus is the possibility of a two-day london marathon 2027, which is being explored with partners and stakeholders. The company described that plan as a one-off format, pending permission.
If the change is approved, the ballot system would be adjusted so every entrant is considered for both the Saturday and Sunday events. That would significantly increase the chances of securing a place, while still limiting each entrant to one race.
London Marathon 2027 two-day format remains under discussion
London Marathon Events said it is exploring the possibility of the london marathon 2027 being staged over two days. No final decision was announced in the material provided, and the company framed the plan as dependent on permission being granted.
The organization said the format would apply only as a one-off if approved. That makes the ballot opening especially important for runners watching for changes to how the event may be staged.
Reaction from the event organizer
Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said the race is “one of the most iconic and inclusive sporting events in the world” and that “anyone can be part of it. ” He added that everyday heroes can stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the fastest marathon runners on the planet, with crowds lining the streets of London.
Brasher said the event is “a day like no other when humanity comes together with community, unity and purpose. ” He also said that entering the london marathon 2027 ballot “could be the first step towards becoming part of something truly life changing. ”
What happens next
The next key moment is Friday 24 April, when the ballot opens. After that, attention will turn to the early July results and to whether permission is granted for the proposed two-day format.
For runners, the immediate question is straightforward: whether the london marathon 2027 will remain a single-day race or become a rare two-day event. The answer will shape how entrants approach the ballot and what kind of race they may be entering.
