In a historic move, the London Marathon is set to transform into a two-day event in 2027, accommodating an unprecedented number of runners. Scheduled for the weekend of April 24–25, the marathon will welcome 100,000 participants, a change driven by the overwhelming demand reflected in the 1.3 million entries received through the public ballot. Despite the expansion, the likelihood of securing a spot remains slim, with chances still under 10%.
This expanded format is poised to make a significant impact on charitable fundraising, with expectations of raising more than £150 million, marking it as the largest fundraising event in UK sporting history. Additionally, the marathon is anticipated to contribute approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits. The event’s schedule is meticulously planned, with the first day dedicated to the elite women’s, elite female para-athletes, championship, and “Good for Age” women’s races, alongside a mass participation race involving nearly 50,000 runners.
The second day of the marathon will spotlight the elite men’s race and include another mass participation event of a similar scale. This arrangement allows for a broader inclusion of runners, although individuals will only have the opportunity to race on one of the two days. The results of the ballot are slated for release in early July, providing hopeful participants with the long-awaited news of their entry status.
This two-day format is confirmed as a singular celebration, with plans for the London Marathon to revert to its traditional single-day format in subsequent years. The organizers’ decision underscores a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, while still maintaining the event’s storied history and prestige.