The ballot for the 2027 London Marathon is now officially open.
Runners have until 4pm on Friday, May 1 to enter, with the marathon set to take place on Sunday, April 25, 2027.
Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said: "The London Marathon has always been about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
"This year, we're calling on the 800,000 people lining the route to be heroes too.
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"You don't need to run 26.2 miles to save a life – you just need to be prepared to roll up your sleeve.
"I've just signed up to give blood myself, and I’d encourage anyone on the route this Sunday or watching from home to do the same."
A record 1,133,813 people applied for a place in this year’s race.
Organisers are considering a two-day format for the 2027 event, which could offer greater chances of securing a place.
If approved, marathons would be held on both Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25, though successful entrants would only run on one day.
This change could mean more spots for charity runners.
JustGiving said £41 million was raised on its platform by 2025 participants.
More than £32 million has already been donated to more than 14,000 fundraisers this year.
Marie Curie, the event’s charity of the year for 2026, hopes to raise £2 million to fund care for those at the end of their lives and support for their loved ones.
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has partnered with the TCS London Marathon and Abbott to launch the Blood, Sweat and Cheers campaign, which encourages marathon spectators to become blood donors.
Darren Bowen, assistant director of blood donation operations at NHSBT, said: "It only takes one hour to donate blood.
"Every donation is tested and separated into three components – red cells, platelets and plasma – meaning a single donation can save up to three lives.
"If you're eligible, please consider signing up to donate and help save the lives of multiple people who need it."
NHSBT estimates that 200,000 new donors are needed each year to meet demand.
