Your Odds of Securing a Spot in the London Marathon

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Your Odds of Securing a Spot in the London Marathon

Your Chances of Getting a Place in the London Marathon

Understanding the London Marathon Ballot System

Every October, tens of thousands of running hopefuls in the UK and beyond await the results of the ballot draw for the following year’s London Marathon—widely regarded as the world’s most in-demand marathon. The 2020 edition set new records, with 457,861 people submitting ballot applications, yet only around 17,500 runners will cross the finish line thanks to this draw.

Securing a place via the ballot has grown increasingly unlikely over the years. Although the number of ballot places has remained stable, the rising number of applications has made getting in tougher than ever before. Let’s break down how the numbers stack up and what they mean for your chances.

How Your Chances Have Changed Over Time

The odds of snagging a ballot spot have dramatically decreased over the last decade. The transition to an online entry process in 2009 catalyzed a surge in applications. While roughly 17,500 ballot entries remain the norm each year, more people than ever are hoping for one of those coveted places.

For comparison:

In 2009, about 32% of applicants received a place.
By 2019, that success rate had dropped to just 13%.

Simply put, being selected via the ballot to run the London Marathon is now harder than ever.

Notably, a previous scheme used to guarantee a place after five consecutive unsuccessful ballots, but as numbers swelled, this has become mathematically impossible, and the offer is now a thing of the past.

How the London Marathon Ballot Process Works

The ballot entry window typically opens for five days, usually spanning the end of April to the start of May. For instance, the race in 2019 accepted ballot applications from April 30 to May 4, 2018. This extended period minimizes issues related to holidays, work obligations, and server overloads that once plagued hopeful runners.

The selection itself is completely random—no preference or bias is given. All UK applicants pay a standard entry fee of £39, which is reduced to £35 for those belonging to UK-affiliated running clubs. Runners from overseas pay £80.

Applicants are usually notified of their result in mid-October, often through traditional mail.

What Makes the London Marathon So Iconic?

Thomas Watson runner — Thomas Watson, founder of Marathon Handbook.

The London Marathon stands apart thanks to a blend of rich history, world-class runners, and unrivaled atmosphere. According to Thomas Watson, long-distance runner and founder of Marathon Handbook, the event’s status as one of the six major city marathons fuels its international appeal. As running and fitness have surged in popularity, so too has the marathon’s own status, with the number of women participating growing by over 25% in the last decade and overall marathon numbers up by more than 10%.

There’s more to the excitement:

Star-studded fields: Famous athletes and celebrities regularly participate, from Paula Radcliffe to Mo Farah.
Royal family involvement: Events like the Queen starting the race or Prince Harry presenting awards draw global attention.
Spectacular route: The course winds through historic London, past icons like Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Parliament Square.
Unmatched crowd support: Spectators offer everything from roaring cheers to the occasional unexpected refreshment in places like East London.

Alternative Ways to Gain Entry into the London Marathon

With ballot odds shrinking every year, runners often look for different ways to secure a spot through other official channels:

Official Tour Operators: Licensed operators receive entry allocations and are ideal for international participants hoping to travel for the event.
British Athletics Clubs: Many clubs are allotted entries to award among their members. Impressively fast runners can compete for a “Championship place” based on previous marathon times—typically under three hours, though criteria vary by age and gender.
“Good for Age” entries: Fast times in previous marathons can also qualify you for a spot. For instance, men aged 18–39 need a sub-3-hour marathon, while women in the same group require 3 hours 45 minutes or less.

Image: ‘The Colour of the London Marathon’ by Flickr/robertsharp is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If these routes aren’t accessible, charity places represent perhaps the most practical and rewarding alternative. Charities receive a selection of entries and participants commit to raising a minimum amount—often around £2,000. Many organizations offer support in both fundraising and marathon training, ensuring the experience is meaningful and achievable.

Top Alternatives to the London Marathon

If you’re not drawn in the ballot, don’t be disheartened—many breathtaking marathons worldwide await:

Edinburgh Marathon: Held in May, this fast, flat course through historic sites and a coastal finish is ideal for runners of all abilities. Some years, they’ve even offered guaranteed entry to those who missed out on London’s ballot.
Great Wall Marathon (China): For a truly unique test, this event has runners traversing 26.2 miles along the iconic Great Wall, combining physical challenge with unforgettable landscapes and cultural immersion.
Other Majors: The Boston Marathon (April) and Berlin Marathon (September) are also part of the prestigious World Marathon Majors circuit, providing world-class experiences for dedicated runners.

With such a spectrum of marathons around the globe—from historic urban races to unforgettable natural wonders—runners have no shortage of opportunities to pursue their marathon dreams, even if the London ballot proves elusive.