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

As anticipation builds for the 2026 London Marathon set for 26 April, a surge in fraudulent activity has emerged targeting disappointed runners. Scammers are exploiting the hopes of those who missed out on a place in the official ballot by offering to sell their spots.

Victims are being approached through running apps and social media platforms, where individuals claim to be injured and willing to transfer their marathon entry. The typical scam involves a request for a payment of £79 via bank transfer, along with personal details such as the buyer's full name and email address.

Authorities are warning potential participants to be vigilant and to only secure marathon entries through official channels to avoid falling prey to these scams. The rise in fraudulent offers highlights the need for caution as the event date approaches.

Participants are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and to verify the legitimacy of any offers before making any payments.

Source: www.theguardian.com – https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/apr/19/london-marathon-place-for-sale-fraudsters-chase-after-runners-cash