London Marathon 2025 date, how to take part, cost and ballot information

As the first feet prepared to hit the streets for this year's London Marathon today, entry details for 2025's showpiece event - and the ballot - had already been unveiled.

Organisers have confirmed that the 2025 London Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 27 next year – the same day as the Adidas Manchester Marathon.

The London Marathon is a staple favourite on the world running calendar. Every year, thousands pound the streets of the capital to raise much-needed money for an array of deserving charities, with the pros also turning out in the hunt for records.

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Everyone has their own reason to run. For some it's a lifelong dream; for others a yearly routine.

The 26.2-mile route takes runners through central London past some of the city's best-loved sights. Starting at Greenwich Park, participants head past the Cutty Sark, over Tower Bridge, through Canary Wharf, and up to Buckingham Palace taking in the iconic scenery.

Each year, cheering crowds line the streets to help spur on the mass of runners, including some who run in fancy dress.

So if you've been inspired this year, this is everything you need to know for London 2025.

When is the London Marathon 2025?

London Marathon day next year is Sunday, April 27, 2025.

Prospective runners can enter a public ballot via this link.

The ballot, now open, closes on Friday, April 26 this year, at 9pm.

What is the ballet and how does it work?

Anyone can enter, but be warned it's completely random.

The marathon's website says: "You and marathon hopefuls across the globe enter the public ballot, and then we draw winners at random.

"Everyone has the same chance - it is down to the luck of the draw! If you are successful, you’ll be allocated a place in the next TCS London Marathon."

A world record 578,000 people entered the ballot for this year's event, making it the most popular marathon in the world. It's understood there's around 17,000 ballot spaces up for grabs.

The ballot is free to enter and those successful will be asked to pay the full entry fee of £69.99 later.

But there's a second chance for UK runners

If you live in the UK, you can choose to donate your entry fee to support the work of the London Marathon Foundation during the ballot process. This will automatically enter you into a second ballot, giving you a second chance at getting a place in the next London Marathon. Your entry fee, should you get a place through the ballot, is also then reduced from £69.99 to £49.99.

What happens if I secure a place for London Marathon 2025?

If you live in the UK and didn't donate your entry fee, you'll have to pay the full entry fee of £69.99. But then - all that's left to do is train for the 26.2 mile run, and to turn up at the start line on the day itself.

What if I don't get a place?

There are other ways to run the London Marathon, even if you don't secure a place through the public ballot. You can run for a charity, as hundreds of places are allocated to various charities.

Charities then allocate these places to runners who, in return, agree to raise a minimum amount of money for that charity. You can search the London Marathon's charity listings for a cause that you’re interested in, then get in touch with the charity to see if they can offer you a place.

The marathon's website says: "If you are unsuccessful in both ballots, you’ll receive a premium winter running top (this would retail at £60) and your donation will help the London Marathon Foundation to make a difference and inspire activity across the UK."

Charity entries

Each year, most major charities are given a set number of TCS London Marathon entry places through the Golden and Silver Bond schemes. They allocate these places to runners who, in return, agree to raise a minimum amount of money for that charity.

"There are usually more people interested in running for a charity than there are charity places available, so often charities will select participants based on their connection with the cause and how much money they are realistically able to raise. They will ask you questions in order to determine this," says the website.

Full details of the charity entry process is available on this link.

The 2023 marathon, the world’s biggest annual one day fundraising event, raised £63 million last year for thousands of charities.