The London Marathon has confirmed a major change for the 2027 event, which will be held over two days for 'one year only'. This one-off occurrence will allow 100,000 runners to take part.
New Format for 2027
The race will take place across the weekend of April 24 and 25, 2027. Elite women, elite female para-athletes, championship and 'good for age' women will compete on one day, with their male equivalents on the other. Exact details are yet to be confirmed.
Record-Breaking 2026 Event
The change follows a historic 2026 London Marathon, which saw Sabastian Sawe's world record of 1 hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, with Yomif Kejelcha also breaking the two-hour barrier for the first time. The event attracted a record 59,830 finishers.
Mayor Sadiq Khan's Comments
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: 'London is the sporting capital of the world and I am delighted that, for one year only in 2027, the world famous TCS London Marathon will expand into a two-day event. This unique, one-off double will allow a record 100,000 participants to take part across the two days – creating the largest fundraising moment in UK sporting history and supporting the work of so many incredible charities.'
Record Applications
For 2027, a record 1.33 million people have already applied to take part. Those whose ballots are successfully drawn in July will be able to participate in person on either Saturday or Sunday, but not both.
School and Borough Entries
Organisers have set aside two guaranteed entries for every school in the capital for teachers or staff. Extra guaranteed entries have also been allocated to every London borough along the route.
Fundraising and Economic Impact
With the 2026 London Marathon raising more than £90 million for charity, London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher estimates that more than £150 million can be raised for good causes by participants in 2027. He also estimated the event will bring £400 million in social and economic benefit to the UK.
Brasher said: 'The 2027 TCS 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.'
