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In 2027, the London Marathon is set to take place over two days in a unique, one-time-only edition of the iconic race. This decision follows an unprecedented surge in interest, with a record-breaking 1.33 million people entering the ballot for the 2027 event. Organisers have confirmed that the split into Saturday, 24 April, and Sunday, 25 April, will allow up to 100,000 runners to take part, effectively doubling the number of participants compared to previous years.
The expanded format aims not only to accommodate more runners but also to significantly boost charitable fundraising and economic benefits. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, anticipates that the event will raise over £150 million for charity while contributing a £400 million uplift to the UK economy. All applicants for next year’s marathon will be entered into ballots for both days, with the results scheduled to be announced in early July.
Describing the new approach as “our most ambitious evolution to date,” Brasher highlighted that this “once-in-a-generation” change will open the event to a broader range of individuals, communities, and charities. He expressed gratitude for the support of the Mayor of London, local councils, emergency services, and other stakeholders, stressing their collective role in making the first-ever two-day London Marathon possible. Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, praised the city as “the sporting capital of the world” and welcomed the event’s unique expansion in 2027.
The London Marathon has a history of record-breaking participation and fundraising success, with 59,830 finishers in 2026 raising over £90 million for charity. The 2027 ballot numbers surpassed even the previous year’s record of over 1.13 million applicants. Notably, the 2023 race saw Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe make history by becoming the first runner to complete a competitive marathon in under two hours. Although the double-day format has been in development since 2017, initial plans to implement it in 2020 were delayed due to lack of permission. The organisers have confirmed that this two-day arrangement is a one-off event, with specific details regarding race formats and scheduling, such as separating men’s and women’s elite and wheelchair categories across the two days, to be finalised in the near future.
All participants in 2027 will run the traditional London Marathon route from Greenwich to Westminster. The ballot process will be conducted in two stages, with the Sunday draw taking place first, followed by the Saturday draw. Additionally, the Mini London Marathon, catering to over 20,000 junior runners, will occur on the Friday. Organisers have also stated that any extra revenue generated by the expanded event will be channeled through the London Marathon Foundation to support projects encouraging physical activity among children and young people across the UK
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