FAQs: My place in the London Marathon
-
London Marathon Events (LME) has announced that for one year only, the TCS London Marathon will expand into a two day event for its 2027 edition.
Taking place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027, this one off format change will see LME transform the TCS London Marathon into a spectacular two-day celebration.
The unique Double format will welcome 100,000 participants across the two days, all taking on the same iconic route, from Greenwich to Westminster, in what will be an unprecedented weekend of sport, charity and community celebration.
-
London Marathon Events (LME) are working to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the incredible experience of taking part in the London Marathon, whether on the Saturday or the Sunday. Both days will see tens of thousands of participants on the streets of London.
The elite women, elite female para-athletes, championship and ‘good for age’ women will lead the mass event one day, with the elite men, elite male para-athletes, championship and ‘good for age’ men leading the mass event the other. All format details will be confirmed in the coming months.
-
Applying through the London Marathon Public Entry Ballot – the public ballot has already closed, and London Marathon Events have confirmed that anyone who entered the ballot will have a chance to secure a place in either the Saturday or Sunday events.
They will be allocating public entries at random.
National Autistic Society Charity Places – Applications are now open for supporters to apply for a place to run with National Autistic Society. Anyone who applies through our application process will be considered for both the Saturday and Sunday events, and successful applications will be assigned to one of the events at random.
Unfortunately, we aren’t able to accommodate requests for specific entry into one day or the other.
-
If you have been offered a charity place with National Autistic Society for a specific day, but would like to change to the alternative day, you can email the team at londonmarathon@nas.org.uk to request a change.However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to transfer your offer from one day to another, and final decision will be at our discretion.
-
No – ballot results will be monitored to ensure now ballot applicant is offered a place in both the Saturday and Sunday events.At National Autistic Society, we will not be offering the opportunity to run in both events.
-
No – the fundraising target for anyone who secures a charity place with National Autistic Society is £2,500, whether they are taking part in the event on Saturday or Sunday.The registration fee will be £100 for either day.
-
As Charity of the Year, the National Autistic Society is the marathon’s flagship charity partner. This partnership helps raise awareness of autism, share autistic stories with millions, and raise vital funds to help create a society that works for autistic people.
-
Every mile, and every pound you raise, helps fund life‑changing services, support programmes, helplines, campaigning work, and resources for autistic people and their families.Specifically, your support at the 2027 TCS London Marathon is helping to fund the National Autistic Society’s work in developing our new Autism Help digital hub and a new app, putting personalised support right in people’s hands, whenever they need it.
-
You can apply through our online application formPlaces are limited, so we prioritise runners who show strong enthusiasm for fundraising and supporting autistic people.
-
Yes. Successful applicants are asked to pay a £100 registration fee to secure their place. This fee helps cover the cost of your place.Once offered a place to run with the National Autistic Society, you will receive a link to pay the registration fee and confirm your place. You will be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of £100 within 7 working days of receiving your confirmation email.
If you have not paid by this deadline, we will assume you no longer want a 2027 TCS London Marathon place and will remove you from the team, giving your place to another runner.
-
Yes. All charity place runners commit to a fundraising target of £2,500. This ensures we can make of every place and maximise the impact of the Charity of the Year partnership.
-
Absolutely!If you have a ballot place, you can join Team Autism with no set fundraising target, but you’ll still receive fundraising support and team perks.
-
You’ll get:- A dedicated fundraising and events team
- A branded running vest or T‑shirt
- Fundraising tips, resources, and digital tools
- Training advice and optional group sessions
- Updates in the lead‑up to race day
- Incredible support on the course from our cheer squads.
-
We offer guidance, resources, and recommended plans for different experience levels, plus signposting to partners and reputable training platforms.
-
Yes. Many of our runners take part to celebrate or support autistic friends, family, or colleagues.You’re welcome to share your story, if you’re comfortable, so we can cheer you on.
-
After you confirm your place via the London Marathon, you will be automatically sent a link for an online fundraising page powered by Enthuse.You can use this link to start collecting sponsorship, by sharing with your family and friends.
-
We’ll provide a full fundraising pack with ideas ranging from workplace challenges to bake sales, online events, raffles, and awareness‑raising campaigns.
-
We ask runners to do their very best. Our team will support you throughout.
If you’re concerned about your progress, just contact us early so we can help.
-
Yes!
We have several cheer points along the route to keep you motivated. Bring your friends and family, they’re welcome to join us.
-
Runners have access to official London Marathon facilities.We also host a charity post‑race meet‑up so you can celebrate, collect refreshments, and meet the team.
-
Absolutely!Spectators are welcome along most parts of the route. We’ll send your supporters details about the best cheering locations.
-
Life happens. If you need to withdraw, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reallocate your place (depending on timelines and marathon rules).
-
Deferrals depend on the official London Marathon rules and our charity place availability.We’ll talk through options if needed.
-
Fantastic!We have plenty of volunteer opportunities - from cheer points to meet‑and‑greet roles. Let us know if you’re interested.