By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
A record number of people, 1,338,544, almost parity between men and women, have applied to participate in the 2027 London Marathon, which takes place on 25 April 2027.
This number breaks last year's record of 1,133,813.
The results will be made known in the early part of July 2026.
In this year’s marathon, there were a record number of 59,830 finishers, and it was the biggest annual one-day fundraising event in the world.
The chief executive of London Marathon Events, Hugh Brasher, remarked that:
"This astonishing total of applicants firmly establishes London as the world's most sought-after marathon."
And added that:
"Nothing else comes close. Our mission is to inspire people of every age and ability to get active - and these extraordinary numbers show the massive draw and power of the London Marathon."
The organisers are looking at the possibility of holding the 2027 London Marathon over two days - Saturday and Sunday.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘