A record 1.33 million people have entered the public ballot for the 2027 London Marathon taking place on April 25, surpassing the previous record set in this year’s race, event organisers said on Tuesday.
A total of 1,338,544 people from around the world have applied compared to 1,133,813 last year, an 18% increase.
“This astonishing total of applicants firmly establishes London as the world’s most sought-after marathon,” said Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, in a statement.
“Nothing else comes close. Our mission is to inspire people of every age and ability to get active, and these extraordinary numbers show the massive draw and power of the London Marathon.”
Ballot results will be announced in July, with places in the race on April 25 decided by a random draw. Organisers are still looking at the possibility of holding the race over two days, Saturday and Sunday.
The 2026 London Marathon broke the record for the largest number of finishers after 59,830 runners crossed the line.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe shattered the world record in under two hours and Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her title by breaking her own women-only world record.
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Alyssa Valdez highlighted the continued rise of Philippine volleyball following the successful staging of the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase, which drew a strong crowd at the Candon City Arena.
The Creamline star said the event reflected how far the sport has progressed, pointing to the increasing number of skilled players and the growing support from fans across the country.
Valdez, one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, welcomed the emergence of younger players who are beginning to take on bigger roles and shape the future of Philippine volleyball.
“Nakakatuwa kasi napaka—‘yung players are quality talaga. Talagang marami tayong volleyball players, and I would say they are quality players,” Valdez said in an interview posted on PVL website.
“That’s, I think, one thing that we can bank on moving forward in the next few years—na meron tayong volleyball community na susuportahan at meron tayong opportunity to have a career in volleyball,” she added.
Valdez also cited young standouts like Bella Belen as key figures in leading the next generation, noting that their rise has also motivated veteran players to elevate their own games.
“I think it’s because, for sure, ‘yan sila Bella na isa sa mga magli-lead diyan sa younger generation, and sa amin din, nagiging inspirasyon namin ‘yung mga kabataan,” said the three-time MVP.
Beyond the on-court action, Valdez emphasized the positive atmosphere surrounding the event, expressing hope that the unity and enthusiasm seen during the showcase would continue to grow within the volleyball community.
“Pero ayun, I’m very, very happy, and sana—isa lang ‘yung wish ko talaga—magkaroon ng… we spread good vibes in the whole community on and off the court. Maraming salamat po, especially sa nagkaroon ng All-Star na ganito. Sana nakita ng lahat na good vibes and happy for everybody.” (AC)
The post Alyssa Valdez underscores growth of Philippine volleyball after All-Star Showcase first appeared on Fastbreak.
