Not Just the Lottery: Tours Operators and Charity Bibs Offer Alternatives to Securing Marathon Entries

A Million Dreams and Rejections

Just days after 56,640 runners crossed the finish line at the 2025 TCS London Marathon, setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of marathon finishers, the lottery for the 2026 event closed with a staggering 1.1 million applicants. Yes, you read that right — 1.1 MILLION! That’s not just a number, it’s a massive testament to the increasing allure of major marathons around the world, especially those in the World Marathon Majors series.

In 2024, the New York City Marathon saw over 200,000 applications for its lottery, with only 2-3% of applicants making the cut, meaning more than 95% of hopeful runners, including yours truly, didn’t.

For those of us who didn’t get in, the sting of rejection is real. I was one of them. In fact, I was rejected four times from the NYC marathon lottery (I stopped counting after a while, honestly), and I was also turned down for several other major marathons earlier in the year—London and Tokyo among them.

I thought that rejection was bad. But now, with London 2026 setting a record-breaking 1.1 million lottery entries, I can’t help but think this is only going to get harder. These lotteries are beginning to feel like an exercise in wishful thinking. The odds are not in our favor, and that can be hard to accept.

Why Is This Happening?

The answer to this growing demand is simple: marathons, particularly those that are part of the prestigious World Marathon Majors (WMM) series, have become bucket-list events. These races are no longer just athletic challenges—they are experiences, and their social media potential is a goldmine. Runners from all over the world are flocking to these events for the chance to be part of something special, and the competition to secure a coveted race bib grows fiercer with each passing year.

And it’s not just limited to the lottery. The barriers to entry are rising, whether it’s the increasing difficulty of securing a slot through charity bibs, the higher cost of entry, or simply the competition from other applicants.

But here’s the thing: I’m one in a million, sure, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still chase my marathon dreams.

Why Tour Operators Are Becoming the Go-To Option

Instead of wallowing in disappointment (for too long), I decided to take another approach. After failing to break through the lottery bottleneck, I explored a tour operator. There were several reasons why this route felt like the best option for me, especially after a string of lottery rejections:

The Obvious Reason: To Get a Bib

Let’s start with the simplest reason: I wanted a bib. Period. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of training for a marathon, only to have that joy deflated when you don’t get the opportunity to race. Tour companies offer guaranteed entry to major marathons, which means no more waiting for lottery results or hoping for a miracle. When I signed up for a marathon tour, I knew I had a bib waiting for me. The uncertainty was over, and I could focus on what I love: running.

The Lottery Odds Aren’t Getting Better

As I mentioned earlier, in 2024, the odds of getting in via the NYC Marathon lottery were as slim as they’ve ever been, with only 2-3% of applicants getting through. And this trend is only going to continue as more people flock to these major races. More participants mean tougher competition, and it’s unlikely that these odds will improve in the future. For many, tours operators offer a more predictable and guaranteed entry into these races—something that’s becoming increasingly rare with lotteries.

Cost Breakdown: It’s Not Much More Than a Lottery Entry

Yes, tour operators are often viewed as an expensive option, and I’ll admit they can feel like a splurge. But when I broke down the costs, it didn’t seem that much more than what I would have spent on the race if I had won the lottery. Let’s be honest: even if you do get in via the lottery, you’re still looking at expenses for travel, accommodation, food, and other race-related costs. When you factor in these costs, the price difference isn’t as drastic as it might seem at first glance. Plus, many tour operators offer packages that include not only your bib but also group accommodations, pre-race support, and exclusive perks—something that would be hard to replicate on your own.

Meeting Like-Minded Runners

One of the most rewarding aspects of marathon tours is the community. When you sign up for a tour, you’re joining a group of like-minded runners who share your passion for racing in iconic locations. For me, this was a major draw. Racing is often a solitary experience, and I’ve always loved the camaraderie of meeting fellow runners. Marathon tours bring together people from all over the world, and the experience of sharing a race with strangers who quickly become friends is something truly special. From pre-race dinners to sightseeing together post-race, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who get it, who understand the highs and lows of training for—and completing—a marathon.

This year, knowing that the odds of getting into the London Marathon via the lottery are slimmer than ever, I’ve submitted several applications for charity bibs. It’s another route I’m excited to pursue, knowing I’ll still have the chance to raise awareness and support for a cause that means something to me. I’m also open to using a marathon tour company again.

Keep Running, Keep Dreaming

As marathons continue to grow in popularity, the odds of getting in through the lottery are getting slimmer. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of running a major marathon. Whether you choose a marathon tour company or a charity bib, there are still options for runners who want to take part in these iconic events.

If you didn’t make the cut, don’t let the rejection get you down. There’s always another way in, and in the end, it’s about the journey and the experience, whether it’s through the lottery or by other means. 

Happy running!