The ballot for the 2025 TCS London Marathon opened on Monday – one day after more than 50,000 finished the biggest ever event in the capital.
Peres Jepchirchir completed the 26.2 miles in two hours, 16 minutes and 16 seconds to break the women’s-only world record, while Kenyan Alexander Munyao was the first man.
Runners joke that getting a place in the prestigious race is harder than the run itself, with more than 410,000 entering the ballot last year.
But there are things you can do to better your chance of being on the starting line in 2025 if you missed out this year, or want to give it another go.
Marathon day next year is April 27.
How to enter the London Marathon ballot for 2025
Entering the ballot is free. It opened on Monday and will close on Friday, April 26.
You can visit the TCS London Marathon site here for all of the small print.
Everyone who enters the ballot has the same chance and it comes down to the luck of the draw.
You will find out if you got a place in the main ballot in July 2025 although there is not an exact date for finding out, organisers have confirmed.
If you live in the UK and didn’t opt to donate your entry fee when applying, you’ll need to pay the full entry fee of £69.99.
You will receive a confirmation email when you apply. You’ll also receive a payment receipt, if you have donated your entry fee.
What is the second ballot?
At the point of applying, you will be asked if you would like to donate your entry fee of £69.99.
Donating your fee at the first stage will also qualify you for a second ballot – which will double your chances of getting a place on the start line.
If you are unsuccessful in both ballots, you’ll receive a free premium winter running top and your fee will go to the London Marathon Foundation.
How else can I enter the London Marathon?
If you do not get a place in either ballot you can still enter.
Each year, most major charities are given a set number of places – although you will need to commit to fundraising, sometimes a large amount, to be given a spot.
You can also get better access to a place if you are part of a running club’s first team or if you are really quick, you can apply for a ‘good for age’ place.
To get automatic entry, you can also set an even faster qualification time. The cost of a place in the TCS London Marathon for international participants is £120, plus a £26 carbon offset levy. To enter via an official tour operator, click here.
