In short
London Marathon 2028: lottery entries should be accepted from Friday, April 23, 2027 to Friday, April 30, 2027, starting at 9:00 a.m., London time. Results are expected on Thursday, July 8, 2027. Race date: late April 2028.
Estimated date: the 2027 ballot opened on Friday 24 April 2026 at 9 am, two days before the race, and closed on 1 May at 4 pm. The 2027 race takes place on 24 and 25 April 2027.To be confirmed once officially announced.
What are the 2028 lottery dates?
- Today
- April 23, 2027 Lottery opens9:00 a.m., London time
- April 30, 2027 Lottery entries close
- July 8, 2027 Lottery results
- Late April 2028 Race day estimated dateStart time not announced yet
What do you book, at what price, with what chances?
| What you book | A spot in the lottery for a bib |
| Your odds in the lottery | at most ~7.5% (estimate, 2027 edition) 1,338,544 applicants. A world record, including 1,008,091 in the UK. About 100,000 runners over two days (April 24 and 25, 2027), share drawn by ballot not announced.Source: Applicants: organizer (London Marathon Events, May 2026). Runners: press (ITV, July 2026). Estimate, our calculation: 100,000 runners ÷ 1,338,544 applicants. This is a ceiling: some runners get in through charities or a qualifying time. to be checked |
| Price | Free ballot entry. Bib price (2027 edition):
|
Can you run the London Marathon without the ballot?
Yes, if you live in the UK: the Good For Age route takes 6,000 runners (3,000 men, 3,000 women), the fastest in each age group. For 2027, a man aged 18 to 39 must have run under 2:52, a woman under 3:38, between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026.
Qualifying times for the London Marathon 2027
| Age on the day of the qualifying race | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 18‑39 | 2:52:00 | 3:38:00 |
| 40‑44 | 2:57:00 | 3:43:00 |
| 45‑49 | 3:02:00 | 3:46:00 |
| 50‑54 | 3:07:00 | 3:53:00 |
| 55‑59 | 3:12:00 | 3:58:00 |
| 60‑64 | 3:34:00 | 4:23:00 |
| 65‑69 | 3:52:00 | 4:53:00 |
| 70‑74 | 4:52:00 | 5:53:00 |
| 75‑79 | 5:07:00 | 6:13:00 |
| 80‑84 | 5:27:00 | 6:38:00 |
| 85‑89 | 6:10:00 | 7:10:00 |
| 90 and over | 7:20:00 | 7:45:00 |
These are the times to beat: places go to the fastest, up to 6,000. 2027 race: men on Saturday, April 24, women on Sunday, April 25.
Other ways to get a bib
Source: London Marathon Events, Good For Age entry. Checked on October 26, 2026. Times for the other marathons.
How do you enter, step by step?
- Create your London Marathon Events accountBefore April 23, 2027, so you don't lose time.
- Enter the ballot from April 23, 2027 to April 30, 2027Free. First day or last day: same chances.
- Results around July 8, 2027By email. Drawn: pay for your place, £275 for an overseas runner (2027).
- Not drawn? Keep other optionsCharity, official tour operator or Good For Age for UK residents.
Don't miss the date
Add the upcoming dates to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before the first one, then the day before each, and on the morning of results day.
The next marathons to open
The marathon registrations and lotteries that open next, in order.
Frequently asked questions
London Marathon 2028: what is the opening date?
Lottery opens on Friday, April 23, 2027 at 9:00 a.m., London time. Closes on Friday, April 30, 2027. Estimated date: the 2027 ballot opened on Friday 24 April 2026 at 9 am, two days before the race, and closed on 1 May at 4 pm. The 2027 race takes place on 24 and 25 April 2027. To be confirmed.
Does it cost anything to enter the London Marathon ballot?
No, the ballot is free. You only pay if you are drawn: £275 for an overseas runner and £79.99 for a UK resident (2027 race).
Can you run London without winning the ballot?
Yes: with a charity in exchange for fundraising, with an official tour operator if you live outside the UK, or through Good For Age if you live there and run fast enough.
Do several ballot rejections give you a guaranteed place?
No, not anymore: each ballot starts from scratch, however many times you were rejected before.
What time do you need for London Marathon Good For Age 2027?
Under 2:52 for a man aged 18 to 39 and under 3:38 for a woman, at a marathon run between October 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. UK residents only.