In a groundbreaking move, the London Marathon is set to expand into a two-day event in 2027, a first in its history. Scheduled for the weekend of April 24–25, this change will accommodate a staggering 100,000 runners, marking a notable increase in participation. This decision comes in response to an overwhelming demand, as evidenced by over 1.3 million entries in the public ballot. Despite this expansion, securing a spot remains highly competitive, with chances still lingering below 10%.
Anticipated to be the largest fundraising event in the UK’s sporting history, organizers project that the marathon will generate upwards of £150 million for charitable causes. Beyond its charitable contributions, the marathon is also expected to yield approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits, further underscoring its significance.
The weekend’s schedule is designed to spread the races across two days while maintaining the event’s competitive and inclusive spirit. 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 with nearly 50,000 runners. On the second day, the elite men’s race will take center stage, accompanied by another large-scale mass participation event. This format ensures that participants will only compete on one of the two days.
Ballot results for this special edition of the marathon are expected to be revealed in early July. The two-day format has been confirmed as a unique, one-time celebration, and organizers plan for the London Marathon to revert to its traditional single-day event in subsequent years. This historic expansion not only addresses the growing interest in the marathon but also enhances its impact on both charitable efforts and the wider community.