Watching almost 60,000 runners from around the world take to the streets of the capital in the London Marathon in April was an inspiring sight.
So much so that it inspired well over a million people to enter the marathon ballot for 2026, cementing London’s place as one of the most popular marathons in the world.
While we’re still a long way away from the 2026 event, the public ballot results have now been released.
Every year, potential marathon runners can put their name down on the public ballot for a chance to take part in the fabled race.
The draw for the London Marathon 2026 closed on May 2, with emails starting to trickle out to successful runners over the last 24 hours.
How to check if you’re on the London Marathon 2026 ballot
The London Marathon organisers have confirmed that emails should have landed in inboxes throughout the day yesterday.
You will receive an email whether you’re accepted or not to let you know, so if you haven’t got one yet, just sit tight.
The organisers warned in an Instagram post that, since they need to send out over a million emails, it can take time for them all to come through.
To make sure you don’t miss it, search your inbox for an email titled: ‘Your 2026 TCS London Marathon Ballot result’. Also make sure to check your junk or spam folders and filters.
If you haven’t heard anything back by Monday, June 23, you can then reach out to the London Marathon help desk for answers.
The 2025 race in April was one of the largest marathons the capital has ever seen, with more than 55,000 runners taking part in the 26.2 mile course around the city.
It travels past iconic sights and monuments, including the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, the Embankments, the River Thames, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace.
