You fill out a simple online form. Name, email, a couple of quick questions. It takes less than three minutes. That’s faster than deciding what to watch on Netflix on a Friday night. You pay a small entry fee (usually around £25-£35). Then you wait.
London Marathon 2027 ballot - Royal Berks Charity
Waiting is the hard part. The ballot results usually come out in June or July. You’ll get an email that either says “Congratulations!” or “Sorry, better luck next year.” It’s like opening an exam results envelope, but with less sweat and more hope.
If you get in, you’re in. If you don’t? Don’t despair. There are charity places. Thousands of runners raise money for causes they care about. It’s a brilliant Plan B. You commit to raising a set amount, and the charity gives you a guaranteed spot. It makes the race feel even more meaningful.
The Little Things That Make It Worth It
Picture this: race day morning. You’re standing at the start line in Greenwich, wearing a bin bag to keep warm. Strangers are chatting, nervous energy buzzing. Then the cannon goes off. You start shuffling forward, and soon you’re running past the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.
The crowd is what makes it magical. A tiny old lady hands out jelly babies at mile 20. A kid holds up a sign that says, “You’re nearly there – and you smell fine!” A drumming band in Bermondsey lifts your spirits when your legs are screaming. You will cry. You will laugh. You will want to stop. And then you won’t.
Crossing the finish line is like winning a tiny, personal Oscar. You’ll get a medal, a goodie bag, and a feeling that lasts for weeks. You’ll walk funny for three days. It’s completely worth it.
London Marathon 2027 Ballot Opens – Dates, Entry Guide, and Chances
