Missed the ballot? Big marathons you can still enter

Every year, hundreds of thousands of runners apply for the most famous marathons and most of them get the same email: no place this time. If that’s you, the training doesn’t have to go to waste. For each of the big ballot races, this guide lists marathons in the same part of the year with a similar course and similar race-day weather that you can still simply sign up for. Of the 24 marathons on iRun42 with 10,000 or more finishers, 15 take entries first come, first served.

When the ballot results come out

Dates checked on the organisers’ sites and running press on 30 October 2026.

How we matched the races

For each ballot race we looked for road marathons that take entries first come, first served and are within about five weeks of it in the calendar, so your training plan still fits. They have no more than about 60 m of extra climb, a usual start temperature within 4°C, and at least 1,500 finishers or a big-city field. Races on the same continent come first. The lists update with our race data, and races less than a month away are left out.

“Climb” is the total elevation gain. “Usual start temp.” is the 10-year average at the start time on race day. Fees are approximate and converted to US dollars. Dates marked “est.” are not yet confirmed.

Still set on the original race?

• Charity places: every big ballot race has charity partners with guaranteed places for runners who raise a set amount. The popular charities fill soon after results day, so apply early.
• Tour operators: official travel partners sell entry with a hotel package. It costs more than the ballot, but the place is guaranteed.
• Qualifying times: Berlin, Chicago, London and New York keep places for fast runners. If you are close to a standard, a target race this season can improve your chances next year.
• Apply again: put next year’s window in your calendar now. Some races give priority to past finishers or to runners who have missed out several times.

Read the rules before you pay anyone: only official charity partners and tour operators can give you a place, and a bib bought from another runner can get both of you disqualified.

Quick answers

I didn’t get into the Berlin Marathon. What now?

Look at the flat autumn races in Germany, Poland and their neighbours in the table above: they run a week or two either side of Berlin with almost the same profile and weather, and most cost less to enter. If you still want Berlin, the charity and tour operator places are the realistic way in for 2027.

Which big marathons have no lottery?

Most of them. Many large city marathons in Europe, North America and Asia take entries first come, first served until they sell out. See big marathons without a lottery for the full list.

Can I apply to more than one ballot?

Yes, and it’s the best way to improve your odds. Most ballots are free to enter and you only pay if you’re drawn. Check each race’s refund and deferral rules before you accept two places in the same season.

For how each ballot works, see marathon lotteries explained and our World Marathon Majors guide. For whole seasons, see spring and autumn marathons in Europe.