Travel Tips

How to get into the London Marathon: entry options, ballot tips & timelines

The most common way to get into the London Marathon is the public ballot. Learn all entry options, timelines, costs, and tips to improve your chances.

The most common way to get into the London Marathon is the public ballot, but you can also enter through charity places, Good for Age (GFA), championship standards, UK club allocations, or international tour packages.

If you’re searching for how to enter the London Marathon or how to apply for the London Marathon, the key is choosing the entry route that matches your timeline, budget, and eligibility.

This guide explains how to get into the London Marathon using every official entry route, including typical timelines, fees, qualifications, and which option is most realistic based on your location, budget, and running level.

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All the ways to get into the London Marathon

There isn’t just one way to enter the race. The London Marathon offers multiple entry routes, each with different requirements, odds, and planning considerations. The table below gives a quick overview before we break down each option in detail.

Getting into the London Marathon is competitive, but planning early and choosing the right entry method can significantly improve your chances. And if you don’t secure a place, you can still be part of the experience by heading to one of the best places to watch the London Marathon and supporting runners on race day.

Entry method	Who’s best for	Cost	Chance	Notes
Public ballot	Most runners	Low	Very low	Open to UJ and international
Charity entry	Fundraisers	Medium-high	High	Fundraising commitment
Good for Age (GFA)	Fast amateur runners	Low	Moderate	Age-based qualifying times
Championship entry	Elite runners	Low	Very low	Strict qualifying standards
International tour operator	Overseas runners	High	Guaranteed	Travel + race package
UK athletic club	UK club members	Low	Limited	Club nomination required

London marathon runners. Source: Shutterstock

Public ballot entry

The public ballot is the most well-known way to apply. For most runners, this is the simplest way to enter the London Marathon, since it doesn’t require a qualifying time or charity commitment. But in the meantime, it’s also the most competitive route.

Timeline: The ballot usually opens shortly after race day (late April or early May) and closes within a week. Results are typically announced in October.
Fees: Entry fees are lower than other routes, with separate pricing for UK residents (£79.99) and international runners (£225).
Chances: Very slim. In recent years, acceptance rates have hovered around 2%, which explains why many runners apply year after year.

If you’re wondering how hard it is to get into the London Marathon, the ballot is the clearest example: fair, but heavily oversubscribed.

Charity entry

Charity places are one of the most reliable ways to get into the race if you’re willing to fundraise.

Timeline: Applications usually open in the summer and are often confirmed by autumn.
Fees: You pay a registration fee (around £50–£150) and commit to a fundraising target, often £2,000–£2,500 (sometimes higher).
Chances: Generally higher than the public ballot, especially if you apply early and show a clear fundraising plan.
UK vs international: Open to both. International runners should factor in travel and accommodation early, especially if planning sightseeing, considering a tourist card for London, or checking how many days in London to stay around race weekend.

This route suits runners who value certainty over cost and want to support a cause.

Good for Age (GFA) entry

Good for Age places are reserved for fast amateur runners who meet age-based qualifying times.

Timeline: Applications typically open shortly after the ballot and close in early summer.
Fees: Standard entry fee if accepted.
Chances: Moderate. Meeting the time doesn’t guarantee your entry, spots are allocated to the fastest applicants within each age group.
UK vs international: Open to both, but qualifying times must come from eligible races and be properly verified.

If you’re wondering how to qualify for the London Marathon without relying on luck, GFA is the main route for non-elite runners to enter based on a verified time.

Championship entry

Championship entry is for elite and sub-elite runners who meet strict performance standards.

Timeline: Applications usually open in early summer.
Fees: Standard entry fee.
Chances: Very low unless you meet strict qualifying standards.
UK vs international: Open to both, but qualifying times are demanding and carefully checked.

Championship entry is focused on performance-based qualification and contributes to the professional and competitive side of the event.

International tour operator packages

Overseas runners can secure guaranteed entry through authorised international tour operators.

Timeline: Packages often go on sale before ballot results are announced.
Fees: High. Packages bundle race entry with hotels, transfers, and sometimes sightseeing. Price usually starts around USD $3,500 and can go up to USD $6,500.
Chances: Guaranteed, as long as you book through an official provider.
UK vs international: Available only to non-UK residents.

This option is popular with runners who want certainty and convenience, especially if they also plan to explore other things to do in London or nearby attractions. A dedicated London packing list also helps you plan race gear, layers, and everyday essentials without overpacking.

UK athletic club entry

Some UK running clubs receive a limited number of places.

Timeline: Varies by club, usually early in the year.
Fees: Standard entry fee.
Chances: Limited and competitive within the club, as the club typically gets only 1 or 2 guaranteed spots.
UK vs international: Only available to UK Athletics–affiliated club members.

This option is mainly relevant for runners who are members of UK athletics clubs, as places are usually managed through club systems.

Practical tips for getting into the London Marathon

With so many routes available, planning matters just as much as fitness.

Apply early and track deadlines carefully. Missing a ballot or charity application window can delay your plans by a full year.

Be realistic about cost versus certainty. The ballot is cheap but uncertain, while charity and tour operator routes cost more but offer higher chances.

International runners should plan differently. Consider jet lag, accommodation availability, and transport on the race weekend. Reviewing London public transport options and understanding how to move around on race day helps avoid stress.

Thinking beyond race day. Many runners plan for extra time using a London travel guide to explore the city, plan meals using local tips on where to eat in London, or even organise day trips from London once the crowds thin out.

Stay connected during the London Marathon with Holafly

Staying connected is essential when navigating road closures, meeting supporters, or tracking race updates. Consider a Holafly eSIM for international travel, which lets you access maps, messages, and transport information without relying on public Wi-Fi.

With Holafly, runners and supporters can choose a UK eSIM or a London-specific eSIM, both offering unlimited data across the city. Plans can be arranged in advance through the eSIM shop, so everything works as soon as you land.

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