In a historic move, the London Marathon will transform into a two-day event in 2027, slated for the weekend of April 24–25. This change will allow a staggering 100,000 runners to take part, marking an unprecedented expansion for the iconic race. The decision to extend the marathon over two days comes in response to overwhelming public interest, as evidenced by the more than 1.3 million entries received for the public ballot. Despite this increased capacity, the likelihood of securing a coveted spot remains under 10%.
The expanded format is anticipated to generate substantial charitable contributions, with estimates suggesting over £150 million could be raised, positioning it as the most significant fundraising event in the history of UK sports. Additionally, the marathon is projected to deliver approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits, further underscoring its significance beyond the realm of athletics.
The weekend’s events will be strategically divided, with the first day featuring the elite women’s race, the elite female para-athletes’ competition, and the women’s “Good for Age” races, alongside a mass participation run involving close to 50,000 participants. The following day will spotlight the elite men’s race, coupled with another large-scale mass participation event. This structure ensures that each day offers a distinct and comprehensive marathon experience.
Participants will be allowed to compete only once over the two-day period, with the results of the ballot expected to be disclosed by early July. While the dual-day format is confirmed as a one-time celebration, organizers plan for the marathon to revert to its traditional single-day format in future years. This temporary expansion not only addresses the soaring demand but also celebrates the marathon’s enduring popularity and its capacity to foster community spirit and charitable giving.