2027 marathons sold out in days: how to get in anyway

If you tried to sign up for a 2027 marathon and saw «sold out», you are not alone. Lake Garda sold 5,000 bibs across the half and the full marathon in four days. The London ballot drew more than 1.3 million applications. Paris had 166,000 entries for about 60,000 places. These figures are official or reported by established outlets, and they say one clear thing: the scramble for bibs started earlier than many people think. It does not mean you are stuck on the sidelines. There are ways to avoid wasting the effort.

The numbers, race by race

Garda, 9-11 April 2027. According to L'Adige of 5 August 2026, the 5,000 bibs for the half and the full marathon were gone four days after registration opened. The half sold out in under 24 hours, and the full marathon about three days later.

London, 2027 ballot. There were 1,338,544 applications, against 1,133,813 the year before: about 18% more. Of these, 1,008,091 came from the UK and 330,450 from the rest of the world, according to the organiser. The results were announced for early July.

Paris, 4 April 2027. The lottery closed on 30 September 2026 with 166,000 applications for about 60,000 bibs. We explained how it works in the piece on Paris.

Rome, 14 March 2027. The 2026 edition sold out with 36,000 entrants already in December 2025, less than four months before the race, according to AGI. For the 2027 race and the registration rules, see our guide to the 2027 Rome Marathon.

Why demand outruns bibs

In London, applications rose by about 18% in a single year, and three requests in four came from the UK. That tells two things. The marathon is still a dream for a huge number of people. And organisers cannot grow a race forever: more bibs mean more volunteers, more road closures and more logistics to fit inside a city.

What to do if you missed out

First, mark the opening dates before they open. Garda closed in four days. If you wait a week before checking the site, you may find it already shut.

Second, do the lottery sums without fooling yourself. In Paris, if every application had the same chance, 60,000 places out of 166,000 would give about 36%. But reserved quotas change that calculation, and we have not read the full rules. We are not selling certainties.

Third, choose your backup race before the result, not after. A closer marathon or a spring half can become the goal of your training block without costing you months.

Fifth, do not assume there is a waiting list. In the sources we read there is no clear statement for Garda: ask the organiser directly.

Our view

We like that the marathon has become a party for so many people. We like it less when the bib scramble turns into a race before the race, with the registration page open at six in the morning. For a first marathon, we think it is better to pick calmly a race that gives you a clear goal, even if it is not the dream one.

And you? Have you ever found the site closed on the very day it opened? Did you take the backup race or give up? Tell us in the comments: the stories of people who tried again are the most useful ones.

Frequently asked questions

Does entering the Paris lottery cost anything?

According to Stadion, for Paris, taking part in the draw does not require a payment: you pay only if you are selected, within the stated deadlines. Always check the official rules of the organiser.

Can I still enter Garda 2027?

From the sources we read, no: the bibs are sold out. For any waiting list or news, the best route is to write to the organisation directly.

Which race should I pick as a backup?

It depends on the date and on your starting level. A closer race with a course similar to what you expect is often the sensible choice. There is no single rule.

Sources: L'Adige, 5 August 2026, Garda 2027 sold out; London Marathon Events, 5 May 2026; Athletics Weekly, May 2026; Marathons.com, Paris 2027; AGI, 4 December 2025, Rome.