London Marathon to be two-day event in 2027

New Delhi, India Jul 2, 2026 ALN: The London Marathon will be held across two days in a special one-off edition of the event in 2027.

Organisers confirmed earlier this year that they were exploring ways to enable more people to take part, after a record 1.33 million people entered the ballot for next year's event. This unprecedented interest in participation reflects the growing popularity of marathon running and the London Marathon's status as one of the most iconic races in the world.

The two events - on Saturday, 24 and Sunday, 25 April - will allow 100,000 people to take part in the London Marathon in 2027, effectively doubling the chances of success for those who entered the ballot. This expansion is a significant response to the increasing demand for marathon slots, particularly as the event continues to attract runners from all corners of the globe, including elite athletes and amateur runners alike.

The move is also expected to raise more than £150 million for charities and provide a £400 million boost to the UK economy, according to Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events. The economic implications of such a large-scale event are substantial, particularly in a post-pandemic context where many sectors are still recovering. The influx of participants and supporters is likely to benefit local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and the broader service industry.

Everyone who applied to take part next year will be entered into a ballot for both the Saturday and Sunday, with the ballot results announced in early July. This approach aims to ensure fairness and transparency, allowing all applicants an equal opportunity to secure a spot in the race, regardless of which day they are drawn for.

"The 2027 London Marathon double is our most ambitious evolution to date - a once-in-a-generation one-time-only reimagining of what a marathon and city-wide celebration of activity can be," said Brasher. His statement underscores the innovative spirit behind the event's evolution, emphasizing the desire to create a more inclusive experience for both runners and spectators.

"By expanding to 100,000 runners across two days, we're opening the door for more people, more charities and more communities to take part in the world's greatest marathon. We believe that more than £150 million can be raised for good causes and the UK economy will have a £400 million social and economic benefit." This ambitious projection speaks to the event's potential not only as a ing occasion but also as a catalyst for social change and community engagement.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "London is the running capital of the world and I am delighted that, for one year only in 2027, the world famous London Marathon will expand into a two-day event." His endorsement highlights the event's significance to the city's identity and its role in promoting health and fitness among Londoners.

A total of 1,338,544 people applied for the 2027 London Marathon, breaking the record of 1,133,813 applicants for the 2026 event. This surge in interest illustrates not only the marathon's popularity but also the growing trend of running as a recreational activity, with many individuals seeking to challenge themselves and achieve personal goals.

The London Marathon had a record 59,830 finishers in 2026 and was the biggest annual one-day fundraising event in the world, with more than £90 million raised to date for charity by 2026 participants. The marathon's legacy as a fundraising powerhouse is well established, and the two-day format is expected to further amplify this impact.

Notably, history was also made on the course at this year's event, as Kenya's Sabastian Sawe became the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race, adding to the event's storied history. Such remarkable achievements serve to inspire future participants and elevate the marathon's status on the global stage.

Brasher has remained adamant that the expanded two-day event will be for one year only, following what he described as an "astonishing total of applicants" hoping to take part in 2027. His commitment to maintaining the event's unique character reflects a careful consideration of its traditions and the desire to preserve the essence of the London Marathon.

He told the media that the two-day event has been nine years in the making, but after the initial idea was formed in 2017, with the intention to hold it in 2020, they failed to gain permission. This lengthy planning process underscores the complexities involved in organizing a major public event, particularly in a city as bustling as London.

The plan is for the elite women, elite female wheelchair athletes, championship and 'good for age' women to lead the mass event one day, with the elite men, elite male wheelchair athletes, championship and 'good for age' men leading the mass event on the other. This structure aims to ensure a competitive atmosphere while also celebrating the achievements of all participants, regardless of gender or ability.

However, London Marathon organisers said all format details will be confirmed in the coming months. As the event date approaches, there will likely be ongoing discussions regarding logistics, safety, and the overall experience for participants and spectators alike.

All 100,000 participants across the two days will run on the normal London Marathon route from Greenwich to Westminster. This iconic route is not only a challenge for runners but also a visual spectacle for spectators, showcasing some of the most famous landmarks in London.

Brasher clarified that a ballot draw will first be held for the Sunday - the day on which the marathon is normally held - before a second draw takes place for the Saturday. This staggered approach to the ballot process is designed to streamline entries and manage expectations for participants.

The Mini London Marathon will be held on the Friday, with more than 20,000 young participants. This initiative not only promotes youth engagement in s but also fosters a sense of community and encourages the next generation to embrace physical activity.

Organisers say all additional income generated by the two-day format will be distributed by the London Marathon Foundation to projects that inspire activity for children and young people across London and the UK. This commitment to reinvesting in the community further cements the London Marathon's role as a force for good, using its platform to inspire and uplift future generations.