Paris Marathon 2027: Lottery Registration, What It Means for Runners

The Paris Marathon could see a major change for its 2027 edition: bib assignments are now expected to be made by lottery.

Until now, the principle was simple: registrations opened, runners logged in, and bibs were assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with prices varying according to registration waves.

For 2027, this system is expected to change.

According to information published by several media outlets, runners wishing to participate in the Paris Marathon will have to register for a lottery. Those selected in the draw will then be able to obtain their bib to participate in the race.

This change marks a significant step for one of Europe's biggest marathons.

But concretely, what does this change for runners? How do you register? Why can this new system change marathon preparation? And what if you are not selected?

Will the 2027 Paris Marathon really be decided by a lottery?

According to information available in early September 2026, the 2027 Paris Marathon is expected to abandon the classic first-come, first-served system in favor of lottery registration.

The principle would be simple:

• runners register during an application period;

• registrations remain open for several weeks;

• a draw is then held;

• selected runners can finalize their registration and obtain their bib.

The precise terms and conditions are yet to be officially confirmed by the organization.

But if this change is confirmed, it will clearly modify how you prepare for registration for the Paris Marathon.

It will no longer necessarily be enough to be connected on the right day, at the right time, with your credit card ready.

Now you will have to try your luck.

Why is the Paris Marathon changing its registration system?

The Paris Marathon attracts tens of thousands of runners every year.

The 2026 edition brought together 58,853 participants, according to the City of Paris. The event also boasts a strong international dimension, with runners from many countries and a course through the heart of the capital.

With such enthusiasm, bib management becomes a real issue.

The lottery can help spread access over time, avoiding the pressure of the registration opening day. Instead of having to log in immediately, runners have a period to submit their application.

In theory, this system may seem fairer.

But it also changes the relationship with the bib.

Participating in the Paris Marathon would no longer depend solely on speed of registration, but also on luck.

What it changes for runners

For runners, the change is significant.

Before, it was mostly about being reactive. You had to monitor the opening of registrations, log in quickly, and accept a price that could change over time.

With a lottery, the logic becomes different.

Now you will have to plan differently.

The runner will have to:

• follow official announcements;

• not miss the lottery registration period;

• wait for the result;

• have a plan B in case of non-selection.

It's a change of mindset.

Even before starting marathon preparation, you will already have to obtain your bib.

My runner's opinion

Personally, I'm quite conflicted about this shift to a lottery system.

I understand why major races are resorting to this. Running has seen incredible popularity in recent years, and some events now attract far more runners than they can accommodate.

But I still find it a bit of a shame.

I started competing around 2014-2015. Back then, I could still register for many races a few weeks before the start. You'd choose a race, see if it fit into your schedule, and get your bib quite easily.

Today, for major events, you sometimes have to plan almost a year in advance. And even with early planning, it's not always enough.

I ran the Paris Marathon in 2022, and that's precisely what makes this change a bit peculiar in my eyes. Paris remains a magnificent race, with a tremendous atmosphere and a medal that truly counts in a runner's journey.

But this new system clearly shows how difficult it is to access major races.

The example of the London Marathon is telling: for 2027, the organization announced an exceptional two-day format to accommodate more runners. Despite this, I was not selected in the draw for the next edition.

This is quite indicative of the evolution of running.

The bib becomes almost a first victory even before the preparation begins.

I'm not against the lottery. It may have become necessary to manage demand. But I'm a little nostalgic for the time when registering for a race was simpler, more spontaneous, and less strategic.

In the end, it also gives even more value to the races you manage to do.

When you get your bib, prepare for your race, finish it, and get your medal, that memory truly deserves to be kept somewhere. Not in a drawer, not forgotten in a box, but visible, as a true record of everything that race represented.

How to register for the 2027 Paris Marathon lottery?

The definitive details will have to be confirmed by the organization.

But if the system follows the announced logic, registration will probably take place in several stages:

1. Go to the official Paris Marathon website.

2. Create or log in to your runner account.

3. Fill out the lottery registration form.

4. Wait for the lottery result.

5. Finalize your registration if selected.

It will therefore be necessary to pay attention to the official dates.

Registrations for the 2027 edition are expected to open in September 2026, according to information reported by several media outlets.

The best advice is simple: don't wait until the last minute.

Even if the lottery replaces first-come, first-served, you will still have to respect the registration period.

Is the Paris Marathon bib becoming harder to get?

It's possible.

The shift to a lottery often gives an impression of rarity.

Even though the Paris Marathon remains a very large race with a significant number of participants, going through a lottery can change runners' perception.

The bib becomes less automatic.

It becomes a goal in itself.

For some runners, this can make the experience even more powerful. Obtaining their bib becomes the first step of the adventure.

For others, this can create frustration, especially if Paris was planned as their first marathon or a major goal for the year.

What to do if you are not selected in the lottery?

Not being selected in the lottery does not necessarily mean abandoning your marathon project.

Several options may exist, depending on the organization's final rules:

• wait for a possible second chance;

• seek a bib through a partner association;

• choose another marathon in France;

• aim for another major European race;

• postpone the Paris Marathon to the following year.

There are many beautiful marathons in France and Europe.

But Paris holds a special place.

Running on the Champs-Élysées, crossing the capital, passing by major monuments, and finishing a marathon in such an atmosphere is not just any race.

Should you try your luck for the 2027 Paris Marathon?

Yes, if Paris is one of your goals.

The Paris Marathon remains a legendary race for many runners.

It's often:

• a first marathon;

• a strong personal goal;

• a race to experience with friends;

• a challenge after several half-marathons;

• an important medal in a runner's journey.

Even if registration becomes less direct, it doesn't detract from the race's appeal.

On the contrary, the lottery can make the bib even more symbolic.

Being selected, preparing for your race, sticking to your training plan, crossing the finish line, and receiving your medal: each step will have even more value.

How to best prepare for the Paris Marathon if you are selected in the lottery?

If you get a bib, the most important thing will be not to wait.

A marathon is not prepared at the last minute.

To properly prepare for the Paris Marathon, you will need to anticipate several points:

• choose an adapted training plan;

• gradually build up running volume;

• test your nutrition during long runs;

• plan your shoes early enough;

• get used to running at marathon pace;

• organize your weekend in Paris;

• plan for recovery after the race.

The Paris Marathon attracts many runners, but it should not be underestimated.

The atmosphere can carry you, but the 42.195 km remain demanding.

The end of the race can be difficult, as in all marathons. You will therefore have to arrive prepared, consistent, and clear about your goal.

A Paris medal, you also prepare for it after the race

We often think about registration, training plans, shoes, race times, and race day.

But we think less about what comes after.

Yet, a Paris Marathon medal is a strong memory.

It represents weeks of preparation, long runs, doubts, a starting line, a finish line, and often a lot of emotion.

If the bib becomes harder to obtain, the medal may have even more value in the eyes of runners.

It won't just be a marathon medal.

It will be the medal of a complete project: getting your bib, training, running Paris, and finishing it.

This is exactly the kind of memory that deserves to be kept visible.

On a wall, with your bib, your race time, or your other race medals, it tells a true story of a stage in a runner's life.

FAQ: Paris Marathon 2027 Registration

Will the 2027 Paris Marathon be by lottery?

According to information published by several media outlets in early September 2026, bib allocation for the 2027 Paris Marathon is expected to be done by lottery. Official terms are yet to be confirmed.

When will registrations for the 2027 Paris Marathon open?

Registrations are expected to open in September 2026. You will need to monitor official announcements for the exact date and final terms.

Is the first-come, first-served system disappearing?

Yes, according to available information, the Paris Marathon is expected to abandon the first-come, first-served system in favor of a lottery open for several weeks.

Does the lottery also apply to the Paris Half Marathon?

According to several media outlets, the Paris Half Marathon is also expected to be affected by this new registration system.

What if I am not selected in the lottery?

You will have to wait for the official rules. Depending on the possibilities offered, it may be interesting to look for charity bibs, potential waiting lists, or choose another marathon as a goal.

Conclusion

The Paris Marathon's shift to a lottery system changes many things for runners.

Registration becomes less immediate, more uncertain, but also more symbolic.

Obtaining a bib could become the first step of a complete adventure: trying your luck, being selected, preparing for your race, starting, and crossing the finish line.

The Paris Marathon remains a unique race.

And if the lottery is confirmed, finishing Paris in 2027 may have even more value for those who were lucky enough to get their bib.

One thing will not change: at the end of the 42.195 km, the medal will remain the most visible reminder of the entire journey.