London Marathon: Guide to the Ballot, Agencies and the 2027 Double Edition
The London Marathon is one of the World Marathon Majors and in 2027 it will have a unique edition: for the first and only time it will be run over two days, with 100,000 participants. If you want to run it from abroad, this guide covers what the official website says: dates, times, how the ballot works, the international fee, authorised Spanish agencies and the other routes in.
London Marathon 2027 key facts
According to the official FAQs for the 2027 Double edition:
| Item | 2027 edition |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027 |
| Participants | 100,000 across the two days |
| Course | The same on both days, from Greenwich to Westminster |
| Expected start | Around 9:00 on Saturday and 9:30 on Sunday |
| Finish closing | 17:30 on Saturday; on Sunday a secondary finish in Green Park closes at 23:59 |
| Running Show | Under consideration from Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 April |
Saturday has a stricter limit because of road reopenings, so if you expect to take a long time, bear in mind which day you are assigned. The organisers will confirm final times to participants.
How to get a London Marathon place
The ballot
The 2027 ballot was open from 24 April to 1 May 2026, and results were sent on 9 July. According to the official ballot page, runners from outside the UK who get a place pay a £275 international entry fee, which includes a carbon offset for travel. If you are interested in the following edition, check the official website: the 2027 ballot opened in April 2026.
Authorised travel agencies
According to the official list of international tour operators, the authorised agencies in Spain are:
- Endeavor Maratones Internacionales
- Fernando Pineda Travel Service
- Geosport Viajes
- Marathinez Tours
- Travelmarathon
They offer guaranteed places in packages with travel and accommodation, at a higher price than the entry fee.
Charity places
You can get a place by fundraising for one of the partner charities. According to the official website, charity places were still available for 2027.
Good for Age: UK residents only
Good for Age places are only open to UK residents, so they are not an option if you live abroad.
Majors draws
If you already have three or more stars, you can enter the circuit’s draws; there were 500 places for London 2027. I explain it in the guide to the World Marathon Majors.
Tips for preparing for London
- April in London can be cool or wet: bring throwaway clothing for the start.
- Start calmly, as the Greenwich start is crowded; the strategy is in the guide to the negative split.
- Carry your gels and start taking them early; there is how many in the guide to running gels.
- Plan your trip and bib collection; there are tips in the guide to travelling to a race.
If you need more preparation, there is the marathon training plan.
Conclusion
The 2027 London Marathon is on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April, with 100,000 participants and the same course from Greenwich to Westminster on both days. The ballot was drawn in July 2026, so from abroad the remaining routes are authorised agencies, charity places and the Majors draws. If you get a ballot place, the international fee is £275.
FAQ
When is the 2027 London Marathon?
Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027, in a one-off two-day format.
How much does the London Marathon cost for an overseas runner?
If you get a ballot place, the £275 international fee. With an agency, the price depends on the package.
Can I enter the London Marathon with a qualifying time?
Good for Age places are only for UK residents.
Which Spanish agencies are authorised?
Endeavor Maratones Internacionales, Fernando Pineda Travel Service, Geosport Viajes, Marathinez Tours and Travelmarathon.
What time does the finish close on Saturday?
At 17:30, earlier than on Sunday, because roads have to reopen.
Is the course the same on both days?
Yes, from Greenwich to Westminster.
