In an unprecedented move, the London Marathon will expand to a two-day event in 2027, allowing a record 100,000 runners to compete on the weekend of April 24-25. This historic change comes as a response to overwhelming interest, with over 1.3 million entries submitted to the public ballot. Despite the increase in participant capacity, the odds of securing a spot will remain tight, with less than 10% of hopefuls expected to gain entry.
The expansion is set to make a significant impact on charity fundraising, with projections indicating that the marathon could raise over £150 million, marking it as the largest fundraising event in UK sporting history. Additionally, the marathon is anticipated to generate about £400 million in social and economic benefits, further underscoring its importance beyond the realm of athletics.
The weekend will be strategically split to accommodate various races and participants. The first day will feature elite women’s races, elite female para-athletes, championship competitions, and the “Good for Age” women’s races. This day will also host a mass participation event welcoming nearly 50,000 runners. The elite men’s race will take center stage on the second day, paired with another large-scale mass participation event.
Participants will be limited to racing on only one of the two days, with ballot results slated for announcement in early July. Although the 2027 two-day marathon is designed as a one-time celebration, the organizers plan to revert to the traditional single-day format for subsequent editions, maintaining the event’s iconic status while accommodating this special occasion.