In a historic move, the London Marathon is set to transform its 2027 edition into a two-day event, enabling a record-breaking 100,000 runners to take part over the weekend of April 24-25. This special format shift comes as a response to overwhelming interest, as evidenced by the more than 1.3 million hopeful participants who entered the public ballot. Despite the increased capacity, the likelihood of securing a spot remains under 10% due to the high demand.
The expanded marathon is anticipated to generate over £150 million for charity, marking it as the most significant fundraising event in the history of UK sports. Additionally, the event is expected to contribute approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits. This unprecedented two-day schedule will feature the elite women’s, elite female para-athletes, championship, and “Good for Age” women’s races on one day, alongside a mass event with nearly 50,000 runners. The elite men’s race will be the highlight of the second day, which will also include another large-scale mass participation run.
Organizers have arranged for participants to engage in the marathon on only one of the two days, with ballot results anticipated in early July. This two-day format is a one-time celebration, with plans for the London Marathon to revert to its traditional single-day format in subsequent years.
The marathon’s expansion is not only a response to the growing enthusiasm for the event but also a strategic move to enhance its charitable impact and economic contributions. By accommodating more runners, the event aims to amplify its role in supporting various causes while maintaining its status as a premier sporting occasion.