The London Marathon has confirmed that the 2027 event will be staged over two days, allowing a record 100,000 runners to participate. Organisers announced that 1.3 million people have applied through the ballot, though their chances of securing a place remain below 10%.
The two-day event, dubbed 'the Double', will take place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027. It marks the first time the marathon will be held over two consecutive days, with the aim of raising over £150 million for charity and delivering a £400 million boost to the UK economy.
London Marathon chief executive Hugh Brasher described the expansion as '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.' He added that the event would open the door for more people, charities, and communities to take part.
The elite women, elite female para-athletes, championship and 'good for age' women will run on one day alongside a mixed mass event with nearly 50,000 runners. The elite men will headline the other day, which will also include a second mass participation event. Runners will not be allowed to take part in the in-person event on both days.
London mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the two-day marathon, calling it 'a unique, one-off double' that will create 'the largest fundraising moment in UK sporting history.' Ballot applicants will be notified of their entry status in early July.
