The world record-breaking 1,133,813 people from the UK and around the world who entered the ballot to participate in the 2026 TCS London Marathon discovered their results yesterday (Thursday 19 June).
The previous world-record total of 840,318 applications was set in 2024 by applicants for the 2025 TCS London Marathon, which itself broke the Guinness World Records title for the largest number of finishers in a marathon when 56,640 people crossed the iconic Finish Line on The Mall in April.
Those who have been successful can now start planning to take on the TCS London Marathon course, from Greenwich to Westminster, on Sunday 26 April 2026.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon, said: “The 2025 TCS London Marathon was a truly inspiring day. We celebrated the 45th London Marathon in style – not only breaking records for the largest number of finishers in a marathon but inspiring more than 1.1 million people to apply to join us next year.
“If you did not get the result you wanted, there are still plenty of ways you can be part of the London Marathon by applying to take part for one of the incredible charities with places in the event, including the 2026 TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year, Marie Curie. There’s also a unique opportunity to take part in the TCS London Marathon MyWay, which enables you to complete the marathon distance anywhere in the world on 26 April.”
Many charities have entries for the 2026 TCS London Marathon – including Charity of the Year, Marie Curie – and allocate places to people who commit to raising funds for their cause. Learn more about taking part for charity.
The 2026 TCS London Marathon MyWay offers participants the chance to take part in the TCS London Marathon in their own way, on a course of their choice, anywhere in the world. Participants have 24 hours to complete the 26.2 miles, between 00:00 and 23:59:59 BST on Sunday 26 April.
The TCS London Marathon Ballot draw is completely random, just like the National Lottery.
Successful applicants will be encouraged to set up their own bespoke fundraising page through Enthuse, the Official Fundraising Partner of London Marathon Events. MyWay participants are also encouraged to fundraise through Enthuse.
