The figure beats the previous world record of 840,318, which was set in the ballot for this year's edition

An astonishing and world record-breaking 1,133,813 people from the UK and across the globe have applied in the public ballot for an entry to the 2026 TCS London Marathon, which takes place on Sunday April 26 next year.

This huge total shattered the previous world record total, with 840,318 applying for this year's edition. This represents a 36% increase year on year and is also nearly double the total applications for the 2024 London Marathon (578,304).

The total number of UK applications for 2026 was 869,803, of which 433,775 were men (49.87% of the total), 430,983 from women (49.55% of the total) and 5044 (0.58% of the total) from non-binary applicants.

There were a further 264,011 applications from non-UK residents in the international ballot.

Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, organisers of the TCS London Marathon, said: "This is an absolutely staggering total which reaffirms London as by far the most popular marathon on the planet.

"Marathon Day is always an extraordinary and inspirational day when we celebrate the very best of humanity. The unique camaraderie of the event and the amazing support from the huge crowds show London at its best and this year was the best yet.

"The 2025 TCS London Marathon was a day of records – the most popular marathon in the world became the biggest marathon in the world with 56,640 finishers crossing the iconic Finish Line on The Mall. Breaking the Guinness World Records title for the largest number of finishers in a marathon, in our 45th edition, was a truly astonishing achievement.

"We also had a record number of children and young people take part in the 40th edition of the TCS Mini London Marathon the day before, when more than 15,000 children took part in the mass event on The Mall. And hundreds of thousands of children across the UK are now doing their Mini London Marathon in their schools.

"Our ambition is to inspire activity in people of all ages and abilities and these astonishing numbers show how the TCS London Marathon does that and how many people want to be part of it. We’d like to thank our partner Let’s Do This for delivering a seamless operation for this record-breaking ballot."