‘London Marathon place for sale’: fraudsters chase after runners’ cash

As excitement mounts for the 2026 event on 26 April, fraudsters are cashing in by trying to persuade disappointed hopefuls they can run after all

You didn’t get a place for the London marathon on the ballot and had given up on the hope of taking part this year. But then someone in a discussion group on your running app posts that they are injured and are selling their place.

After contacting them on WhatsApp, they say they can transfer the place once you pay £79 via bank transfer, and give your full name and email address.