You don’t get an instant yes or no. The London Marathon ballot is a slow-burn drama that unfolds over several weeks. Typically, results start to drop in mid-October, but the exact date? It’s a closely guarded secret.
They usually announce the ballot results window via email and social media a few days before. Think of it as the universe sending you a vague, “Check your inbox… soon.” It’s part of the quirky charm—they want you on the edge of your sofa.
Here’s the Classic Timeline
Ballot entries usually close in late April or early May. Then, you wait. And wait. And wait some more. The waiting is the true marathon, my friend.
In a typical year, the successful candidates get their “YES” email in the second or third week of October. But hold on—it’s not all at once. They stagger it over a few days or even a week. Why? Because chaos is fun, apparently.
If you don’t hear anything by the end of October, you’re likely in the “better luck next year” club. But don’t delete that email—they might send a ballot rejection and a consolation prize (a charity spot link or a discount code for next year’s entry).
