The London Marathon is back for 2021 and an estimated 100,000 runners are expected to take part, making it the biggest event yet.

After a virtual event was held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, a physical marathon was able to make a comeback due to the lifting of restrictions.

Competitors have been training for months now and would have been at the London Marathon Running Show this week to drop off their kitbag and lateral flow test.

Runners may already be thinking ahead to next year’s event and will want to run that.

Places are limited though, and like in previous years a ballot will be held to determine who will tale part.

How to enter the London Marathon 2022 ballot

Information on the London Marathon 2021 app reveals when the ballot will open.

The ballot will be live to enter from Sunday October 3 to Friday October 8, and it will close at 9pm on that day.

You can visit the London Marathon website here to enter.

The cost of a place for successful UK participants is £49 (with a £2 discount for members of UKA-affiliated running clubs).

How is the ballot drawn?

It is a totally random ballot, so anyone entering has equal chance of making it to compete at the 2022 marathon.

How can I increase my chance of gaining a place?

Although it is randomly drawn applicants are asked if they would like to bequeath their entry fee to the London Marathon Charitable Trust if they are unsuccessful.

All applicants who do not get a place but bequeathed their entry fee are then entered into a random Lucky Bequest draw of another 2,000 places.

When will the results of the ballot be announced?

It is expected that the results of the ballot will be announced 2-3 months after it closes.

How old must you be to enter the London Marathon ballot?

You must be 18 years old to enter