A record 1,338,544 ballot applications were made for the 2027 TCS London Marathon, a one-off double event scheduled for Saturday April 24 and Sunday April 25, allowing 100,000 people to participate. This represents an 18% increase of over 200,000 applications compared to the 1,133,813 who applied for a ballot place in 2026. Many applicants were left disappointed when the results were sent out on Thursday.
Unprecedented Demand and Two-Day Format
Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said: “The 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will be a weekend of celebration like no other in history. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 100,000 people to take part across the two days, with 45,000 taking part on Saturday and 55,000 on Sunday.” He added: “For those who are successful, their exciting journey to the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon begins now. For those who didn’t get a place in the ballot, you can still be part of the TCS London Marathon by applying for one of the charity places – which, for 2027 only, includes the chance to run on the Saturday. We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity to take part across two days and we can’t wait to welcome 100,000 people to the streets of London next spring.”
Charity Impact and Fundraising Success
The National Autistic Society is the official charity partner for the TCS London Marathon in 2027. Meanwhile, Marie Curie, the 2026 charity of the year, announced it raised more than £2.3 million, five times the £450,000 total from 2025. This sum exceeded the charity’s 2026 fundraising goal of £2 million, driven by 744 runners and supporter generosity. More than 300 volunteers supported Team Marie Curie across six cheer stations along the London Marathon route on April 26.
Marie Curie provides expert end-of-life care for people with any illness they are likely to die from, along with support for their families through hospices, hospital, GP, community services, and a free national support line at 0800 090 2309. The £2.3 million raised is equivalent to 100,000 hours of nursing care or enough to fund the support line for more than six years.
Chief executive Matthew Reed said being charity of the year was “a huge honour”, adding: “We’re so grateful to all our runners and supporters for helping us raise this remarkable sum of money. Every three minutes, someone dies without proper support, that’s nearly 200,000 people each year. The funds raised will make a significant difference. It will help us ensure that more people at end of life and those close to them, receive the vital care and support they need at the right time, wherever they are. This will help bring us closer to achieving our mission of better end of life for all.”
