London Marathon Scams Target Runners With Fake Entry Sales

Published: 19 April 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Scammers are exploiting growing excitement around the upcoming London Marathon by targeting runners who missed out on ballot places, attempting to trick them into paying for fake race entries through social media groups and messaging apps.

With anticipation building ahead of the 2026 event scheduled for 26 April, fraudsters are posing as injured participants offering to “sell” their marathon places. Victims are typically contacted through running communities or fitness platforms and then redirected to private messaging apps, where payment requests are made under false pretences.

Organisers of the London Marathon have issued a strong warning that entries to the race are strictly non-transferable under any circumstances. They emphasised that any claim suggesting a race bib can be sold or reassigned is entirely fraudulent, as participation is tied directly to verified personal registration details.

The scammers’ approach often involves requesting relatively small payments—such as £79 via bank transfer—along with personal details including full names and email addresses. These details are then used to create a convincing illusion that the transfer is legitimate, despite being entirely fake.

Officials linked to the London Marathon Events have reiterated that all legitimate entries must go through official channels, such as the public ballot system or charity partnerships. They stressed that there is no authorised resale market for race places.

The scam typically begins with posts in online running communities, where fraudsters claim to have been forced to withdraw due to injury or personal reasons. These messages often contain poor grammar, inconsistent details, and vague explanations about how transfers supposedly work through official websites.

Once contacted, victims are told that registration can be “changed” after payment, a claim that directly contradicts official marathon rules. In reality, organisers state that bib numbers are permanently assigned and cannot be transferred or reassigned to another individual under any circumstances.

Cybersecurity experts warn that such scams tend to increase in the weeks leading up to major sporting events, when demand and emotional investment from hopeful participants are at their highest. The combination of scarcity and excitement makes disappointed applicants particularly vulnerable to fraud.

One of the key red flags identified by authorities is the demand for bank transfer payments. Unlike credit or debit card transactions, bank transfers offer little or no protection in cases of fraud, making recovery of lost funds extremely difficult.

Another warning sign is the informal nature of communication, often conducted through messaging platforms rather than official booking systems. Fraudsters frequently avoid formal channels to reduce the likelihood of detection and enforcement action.

Fitness tracking platform Strava has also reinforced its policies against fraudulent activity, stating that misleading or deceptive behaviour is strictly prohibited. The platform said accounts involved in exploiting race entry systems or engaging in scams will be suspended.

Authorities are urging runners to report suspicious activity immediately and to preserve any communication records, including messages, payment requests, and user profiles, which may assist in investigations. Victims are advised to contact both the event organisers and official fraud reporting channels if they believe they have been targeted.

The rise in scams linked to major sporting events reflects a broader trend in online fraud, where criminals exploit high-demand occasions such as marathons, concerts, and festivals. Experts say awareness and verification remain the most effective tools for preventing financial loss.

Despite repeated warnings, officials expect these scams to continue circulating as the marathon date approaches. Organisers have reiterated that legitimate participation is only possible through verified entry routes, and any alternative offers should be treated as fraudulent.

As enthusiasm builds for one of the world’s most iconic endurance races, authorities are urging runners to remain cautious, verify all information through official sources, and avoid any informal or unofficial offers of entry.