The London Marathon is set to break new ground in 2027 by transforming into a two-day event. This unprecedented change will allow a staggering 100,000 runners to take part over the weekend of April 24–25. This adjustment comes in response to an overwhelming demand, as the public ballot saw an entry of over 1.3 million hopeful participants. Despite the expanded capacity, the chance for runners to secure a spot will still be below 10%.
Organizers anticipate that the expanded marathon will generate over £150 million for charitable causes, potentially making it the largest fundraising event in the history of UK sports. Additionally, it’s expected to contribute approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits. The restructured weekend will divide the races across two days to accommodate different categories of participants.
The first day will feature the elite women’s race, elite female para-athletes, championship, and “Good for Age” women’s races, alongside a mass participation event expected to draw nearly 50,000 runners. The following day will spotlight the elite men’s race, complemented by another large-scale mass participation event. This division allows participants to compete only on one of the two days, with results of the ballot anticipated to be publicly announced in early July.
This special two-day format is intended as a one-time celebration, and organizers have confirmed that the London Marathon will revert to its traditional single-day schedule in subsequent years. This unique expansion not only highlights the growing popularity and demand for participation in the marathon but also emphasizes its significant role in fundraising and community engagement.