More than 55% of the applications for 2016 were from people who have never run a marathon and more than 42% of the applicants were women.
“These numbers reflect the huge success of the 35th London Marathon on 26 April,” said Hugh Brasher, Race Director. “One of our goals is to inspire people to take up sport and more than 135,000 people were inspired to apply to run a marathon for the first time in 2016.
“Over its first 35 years, the London Marathon has had an extraordinary impact that has helped to inspire profound social change. It is an iconic event that compels people to take up running and to raise millions for charity. The London Marathon Charitable Trust has enabled thousands more to get active through its funding of a huge range of recreational projects.”
Entrants will be notified of the ballot results in October 2015.