The London Marathon received 1,133,813 applications for 2026, setting a world record. This is a 36% increase from 2025. Nearly equal numbers of UK male and female applicants were seen, alongside significant international interest. The 2025 event also broke a record for the most finishers in a marathon, with 56,640 runners finishing the race.
The London Marathon has officially set a new world record with over 1.1 million applicants for the 2026 race. A staggering 1,133,813 entries were received for the event scheduled on April 26, 2026, far surpassing the previous record of 840,318 registrations for 2025.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, expressed his astonishment at the figures, stating, “This is an absolutely staggering total which reaffirms London as by far the most popular marathon on the planet.” He further highlighted that Marathon Day serves as a celebration of the best of humanity, noting the unmatched camaraderie and crowd support.
In a notable increase, applications for the 2026 London Marathon jumped 36% compared to last year and are almost double those for 2024. The UK saw almost equal numbers of male and female applicants in the public ballot, with 869,803 total UK entries. Breaking it down, 49.87% were men and 49.55% were women, while 5,044 applications came from non-binary individuals.
Internationally, the race drew an additional 264,011 entries from outside the UK. This year’s marathon was also remarkable for setting a Guinness World Record for the highest number of finishers. The event welcomed 56,640 finishers, beating the earlier record of 55,646 recorded at the 2024 New York City Marathon.
Brasher reflected on this, calling it “a truly astonishing achievement” as the marathon celebrated its 45th edition. Furthermore, the TCS Mini London Marathon had a record turnout of over 15,000 children participating the day before the main event.
For good measure, a total of 41 Guinness World Records were logged from 87 attempts during this event, including a cheeky entry dressed as a traffic cone. The public ballot for the 2026 TCS London Marathon officially closed on Friday at 4pm, marking the end of a record-breaking application period.
The London Marathon has achieved a remarkable milestone with over a million applicants for 2026, signifying its global popularity. With a massive rise in entries compared to previous years and notable diversity among applicants, the anticipation for the event is high. It’s also impressive how the marathon has set multiple world records, including for the most finishers in a marathon. This year’s event showcased not just the competitive aspect but also the inclusive spirit of running, appealing to participants across the globe.
Original Source: www.lbc.co.uk