Championship Entry London Marathon 2026 – Deadlines, Time Standards and Application Rules
Championship Entry is the most prestigious qualification route for the TCS London Marathon 2026. It is intended for UKA-registered athletes who have achieved outstanding results on certified marathon or half marathon courses. Unlike the Good For Age program, Championship Entry is not age-restricted, but based solely on time and club affiliation.
To apply, you must achieve the qualifying time between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025. Applications will be accepted from Thursday 2 October 2025 until 16:00 on Thursday 23 October 2025. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered. Results will be announced on Monday 10 November 2025.
The entry cap is 1200 – 600 places for men and 600 for women. If the number of applications exceeds this limit, the fastest first rule applies. Meeting the time standard does not guarantee a place – speed matters.
Championship Entry Requirements – London Marathon 2026
- Qualifying time: Must be achieved between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025.
- Certified course: The result must come from a race certified by UKA, AIMS or a national athletics federation.
- Membership: You must be a registered member of UKA (England Athletics, Scottish Athletics, Welsh Athletics or Athletics Northern Ireland).
- Proof of result: A link to the official results page showing the event name, date and your finish time.
Championship Entry Time Standards 2026
All times will be strictly verified. False submissions or manipulation will result in a ban of up to 5 years from all events organized by London Marathon Events. Repeat violations will lead to a lifetime ban.
Special Qualification Cases
Using a Half Marathon Time
You may use a half marathon time only if:
- you have never completed a marathon, or
- your marathon time was achieved before 1 October 2024, and your half marathon time meets the standard and was achieved within the qualifying period.
In such cases, you must submit proof of both results – marathon and half marathon.
Pregnant or Postpartum Participants
If you gave birth after 30 September 2022, you may use a marathon or half marathon result achieved since 30 September 2021, provided it meets the required standards.
FAQ – Championship Entry London Marathon 2026
Can I apply if I live outside the UK?
Yes, if you are a UKA member. However, you will not be eligible for a Good For Age place, which is reserved for UK residents.
Can I apply if I already have a ballot place?
Yes. If you have a ballot place and qualify for Championship Entry, inform the organizers that you wish to change your entry type.
Does meeting the time standard guarantee a place?
No. Places are limited to 1200 and allocated on a “fastest first” basis.
When will I know the result of my application?
Results will be announced on 10 November 2025.
More on London Marathon Qualification
If you don’t meet the Championship Entry requirements, consider applying through the Good For Age program. It’s an alternative route for fast runners from the UK. Details available here: Good For Age London Marathon 2026 – Time Standards and Application Rules.
Planning to run in London? Check the costs
If you’re considering participating in the London Marathon 2026, be sure to read the cost breakdown: London Marathon 2025 – Full Cost of Participation. You’ll find a detailed overview of expenses: entry fee, flights, hotel, food and souvenirs.
