The London Marathon is set to undergo a unique transformation in 2027, spanning two days instead of the usual one. Organizers are confident that this change will allow a larger number of participants to join the event, leading to a significant financial benefit.
Following a record-breaking 1.33 million entries for next year’s marathon, the decision was made to split the event into two days to accommodate 100,000 runners in 2027. Scheduled for Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25, this shift is expected to generate over £150 million for charitable causes and inject £400 million into the UK economy, as stated by Hugh Brasher, the CEO of London Marathon Events (LME).
All applicants for next year’s marathon will automatically be included in a ballot for both days, with the outcome to be revealed in early July. Brasher expressed his enthusiasm for this innovative approach, calling it a one-time evolution that will redefine the essence of a marathon and a city-wide celebration of physical activity.
By expanding the event to span two days and accommodating 100,000 runners, the London Marathon aims to create opportunities for more individuals, charities, and communities to participate in what is hailed as the world’s greatest marathon. The anticipated funds raised for charitable causes are expected to exceed £150 million, with a projected social and economic benefit of £400 million for the UK.
Acknowledging the collaborative effort required to make this ambitious plan a reality, Brasher lauded the Mayor of London, local councils along the route, emergency services, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support in hosting this unprecedented event for London and the UK.
London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, expressed his delight at the temporary expansion of the London Marathon into a two-day spectacle in 2027, emphasizing London’s status as a global sporting hub.
In 2026, the London Marathon attracted a record 59,830 finishers and raised over £90 million, solidifying its position as the world’s largest annual one-day fundraising event. The race also made history when Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe achieved a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive setting.
For the 2027 edition, the plan is to have elite women, elite female wheelchair athletes, championship participants, and ‘good for age’ women leading one day, while the focus will shift to elite men, elite male wheelchair athletes, championship runners, and ‘good for age’ men on the other day.
Brasher revealed to BBC that the concept of a two-day event had been in development for nine years, originating in 2017. Although the initial goal was to implement it in 2020, they encountered permission challenges.
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