In a groundbreaking development, the London Marathon is set to expand to a two-day format in 2027, accommodating an unprecedented 100,000 runners over the weekend of April 24–25. This historic move comes in response to the overwhelming demand, as over 1.3 million people applied through the public ballot for a chance to participate. Despite this expansion, the probability of securing a spot will remain below 10% due to the high level of interest.
The enlarged event is anticipated to generate more than £150 million for charity, positioning it as the largest fundraising event in the history of UK sports. Beyond its charitable impact, the marathon is expected to deliver approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits. This shift underscores the event’s continued significance, not only as an athletic competition but also as a crucial driver of community engagement and economic activity.
The marathon’s weekend schedule is carefully structured to feature the elite women’s, elite female para-athletes, championship, and “Good for Age” women’s races on one of the days, alongside a mass participation event involving nearly 50,000 runners. The second day will showcase the elite men’s race as the main event, coupled with another large-scale mass participation run. This division ensures that each day is packed with excitement and opportunity for both elite and amateur runners.
Organizers have stipulated that participants can only run on one of the two days, with the results of the ballot expected to be revealed in early July. This two-day format has been confirmed as a unique, one-time celebration, with intentions to revert to the traditional single-day schedule for future editions of the London Marathon. The innovation in scheduling underscores the event’s adaptability and commitment to inclusivity, further solidifying its reputation as a premier marathon on the global stage.