London Marathon 2027 already breaks record as officials release 'astonishing' statement

The 2027 London Marathon has smashed its own ballot record, with an incredible 1,338,544 people throwing their names into the hat for next year's race.

That's a massive jump from last year's previous high of 1,133,813 applications – and it's easy to see why interest has surged following last weekend's extraordinary events on the capital's streets.

Hopeful runners will have to wait until early July to find out if they've secured a coveted spot, with places handed out through a random draw.

The 2027 race is scheduled for 25 April.

Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, couldn't hide his delight at the figures.

"This astonishing total of applicants firmly establishes London as the world's most sought-after marathon," he said. "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."

For the first time ever, more than a million of those applications came from within the UK alone.

And there's been a brilliant shift towards balance too, with male and female registrations reaching near parity.

The surge in applications follows what can only be described as a history-making weekend in London.

Kenya's Sabastian Sawe became the first person to run a sub-two-hour marathon in competitive race conditions, crossing the finish line in an astonishing 1:59:30.

The 31-year-old's time was more than a minute quicker than the late Kelvin Kiptum's previous world record of 2:00:35, set back in 2023.

"I am feeling good. I am so happy. It is a day to remember for me," Sawe told BBC TV after his remarkable achievement.

Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa added to the drama by bettering her own women's world record, storming to victory in 2:15:41.

The race produced more jaw-dropping moments too, with debutant Yomif Kejelcha becoming the second man ever to break the two-hour barrier in competition, finishing second in 1:59:41.

Half marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo completed the podium in 2:00:28 – still faster than Kiptum's old mark.

This year's event also set a new participation record, with 59,830 runners crossing the finish line, making it the world's biggest annual one-day fundraising event.

Looking ahead, organisers are still exploring whether the 2027 London Marathon could be held across both Saturday and Sunday to accommodate the phenomenal demand.