An astonishing and world record-breaking 1,338,544 people from the UK and across the globe applied in the public ballot for an entry to the 2027 TCS London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday 25 April next year.
This huge total has shattered the previous world-record total of 1,133,813, which was set last year in the ballot for the 2026 TCS London Marathon. This represents an 18% increase year on year and more than double the total applications for the 2024 TCS London Marathon (578,304).
The total number of UK applications for 2027 was 1,008,091, meaning that 1.8% of the entire UK population has been inspired to get active and apply to take part in next year’s TCS London Marathon.
Women aged 20-29 made up the highest bracket of UK applications, totalling over 179,000, while 18-29 year olds made up 35% of all UK applicants.
A total of 503,284 were applications from men (49.92% of the total), 498,985 from women (49.50% of the total) and 5,822 (0.58% of the total) from non-binary applicants.
There were a further 330,450 applications from non-UK residents – from more than 200 countries – including more than 92,000 from the US, over 34,000 from France, more than 21,000 from Ireland and over 14,000 from Germany.
The world-record-breaking ballot for the 2027 TCS London Marathon was again operated by Let’s Do This.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, organisers of the TCS London Marathon, said: “This astonishing total of more than 1.33 million ballot applicants firmly establishes London as the world’s most sought‑after marathon. Nothing else comes close.
“The 2026 TCS London Marathon was a landmark edition. The world’s most popular marathon became the biggest and fastest, with 59,830 finishers crossing the iconic line on The Mall and world records in both the men’s and women’s elite races. We witnessed history too: Sabastian Sawe became the first man to break the two‑hour barrier in a competitive marathon, and Tigst Assefa once again rewrote the record books with a new women‑only world record and for the first time in a marathon, three women ran under 2hours 16 minutes in the same race
“We also saw unprecedented participation from young people over the weekend. A record 19,600 children took part in the TCS Mini London Marathon, and more than 610,000 completed the Mini Marathon in their schools across the UK.
“Our mission is to inspire people of every age and ability to get active - and these extraordinary numbers show the massive draw and power of the TCS London Marathon.”
Ballot results will be announced by early July, with places allocated through a completely random draw.
