The iconic London Marathon is set to transform into a two-day spectacle in 2027, a unique, one-off expansion designed to accommodate a record number of participants. Organisers confirmed the special edition of the event, scheduled for Saturday, 24 April and Sunday, 25 April, will effectively double the opportunities for runners after an unprecedented 1.33 million people applied for a place in next year's race.
This ambitious move is projected to see 100,000 individuals cross the finish line, significantly increasing the event's reach and impact. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, highlighted the substantial benefits expected from the expansion, including an estimated £150 million boost for charitable causes and a £400 million contribution to the UK economy. Mr Brasher described the 2027 double as their “most ambitious evolution to date,” a “once-in-a-generation reimagining of what a marathon and city-wide celebration of activity can be.”
The decision to expand follows a consistent surge in interest, with the 1,338,544 applicants for the 2027 marathon breaking the previous record of 1,133,813 for the 2026 event. All individuals who applied for next year's race will automatically be entered into a ballot for both the Saturday and Sunday events, with results expected in early July. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his delight, stating, “London is the sporting capital of the world and I am delighted that, for one year only in 2027, the world famous London Marathon will expand into a two-day event.”
The proposed format for the two-day event suggests that elite women, elite female wheelchair athletes, championship, and 'good for age' women will lead the mass event on one day. Conversely, elite men, elite male wheelchair athletes, championship, and 'good for age' men will head the mass event on the other. However, organisers have indicated that full format details will be officially confirmed in the coming months. All 100,000 participants will follow the traditional London Marathon route from Greenwich to Westminster.
Mr Brasher clarified that a ballot draw would first be conducted for the Sunday, the marathon's usual day, before a second draw for the Saturday event takes place. The Mini London Marathon, involving over 20,000 young participants, is planned for the Friday preceding the main event. Any additional income generated from this expanded format will be allocated by the London Marathon Foundation to initiatives promoting physical activity among children and young people across London and the wider UK.
The concept for a two-day event has been in development for nine years, with an initial attempt to hold it in 2020 failing to gain permission. This commitment to a one-year-only expansion underscores the organisers' response to the “astonishing total of applicants” for 2027, ensuring the event maximises its impact and inclusivity for this special edition.
Source: London Marathon Events