The iconic London Marathon is set to undergo a historic transformation in 2027, expanding to a two-day event for the first time ever. Organisers confirmed this morning that the renowned 26.2-mile race will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April, a unique, one-off change designed to celebrate the event and accommodate a record number of participants.
This unprecedented double format will enable 100,000 runners to take part across the weekend, a substantial increase compared to the 60,512 individuals who started the 2026 race. All participants will follow the traditional route from Greenwich to Westminster, utilising the same course as the elite athletes. The decision comes amidst extraordinary demand for places, with 1.33 million people having entered the ballot for next year's event alone. Organisers believe this expansion will not only address the huge interest but also significantly boost fundraising efforts, aiming to surpass this year's total of over £90 million.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, described the initiative as their "most ambitious evolution to date," characterising it as a "once-in-a-generation one-time-only reimagining of what a marathon and city-wide celebration of activity can be." He stated that by expanding to 100,000 runners, they are "opening the door for more people, more charities and more communities to take part in the world’s greatest marathon." The organisers project that over £150 million could be raised for good causes, with an estimated £400 million social and economic benefit to the UK economy.
The expanded format will also see a revised schedule for the elite races. The elite women, elite female para-athletes, championship, and 'good for age' women will compete on one of the two days, while the elite men, elite male para-athletes, championship, and 'good for age' men will race on the other. Specific details regarding this split are expected to be released in the coming months. Furthermore, to encourage broader participation, every school in London will receive two guaranteed entries for teachers or staff, and additional guaranteed entries have been allocated to every London borough along the route.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, expressed his delight, calling London the "sporting capital of the world." He added that this "unique, one-off double will allow a record 100,000 participants to take part across the two days - creating the largest fundraising moment in UK sporting history and supporting the work of so many incredible charities." The organisers also cited data indicating a surge of interest from Gen Z, particularly women aged 18 to 29, believing that hosting the world’s biggest marathon can act as a counterbalance to contemporary global anxieties.
Source: London Marathon Events