London’s famous 26.2 mile marathon returns in full swing on 2 October, as the number of runners participating is expected to reach over 40,000[1]. With an influx of national and international visitors anticipated to gather to run and cheer on those participating, the marathon presents a unique opportunity for Londoners to earn additional income by sharing their homes on Airbnb.

Last year, Hosts on Airbnb shared their homes with runners, supporters and spectators arriving in the city, earning more than £2.7million over the weekend of the race – a 23% increase compared to a regular weekend in the same month[2].

The world-renowned marathon welcomes joggers, newbie runners and professional athletes to participate in raising money for charitable funds. It draws crowds from around the world, offering an ideal opportunity for locals to open their homes and boost their income as the cost of living continues to increase.

With the energy price cap increase coming into effect on 1 October, just one day before the event, many London households will be feeling the financial impact of increased energy costs and inflated prices. A recent survey found that more than a third of Hosts across the UK say they host to afford the rising cost of living. New data released by Airbnb last month found that Brits can share their home on Airbnb for just over 1 night a month to cover the surge in typical annual energy bills.[3]

Americans make up the biggest group of incoming guests to London, with international visitors from Germany, France and Australia also joining those travelling within the UK.

Top 5 guest origin countries staying in London between September 30 and October 2, 2022[4]:
US
UK
Germany
France
Australia