In an unprecedented move, the London Marathon is set to break new ground in 2027 by transitioning to a two-day event. This temporary expansion, scheduled for the weekend of April 24-25, will accommodate a record-breaking 100,000 runners, a response to the overwhelming interest reflected by over 1.3 million entries in the public ballot. Despite this increase, the odds of obtaining a spot remain slim, with the acceptance rate still below 10%.
The decision to extend the marathon over two days aims to harness the potential for significant charitable contributions. Organisers anticipate raising more than £150 million for various causes, setting a new benchmark for fundraising in UK sports history. Beyond charitable gains, the marathon is expected to contribute approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits to the region.
The weekend’s events are meticulously planned, with the elite women’s race, elite female para-athletes, championship, and “Good for Age” women’s competitions slated for one day. These events will coincide with a mass participation run involving nearly 50,000 runners. The following day will spotlight the elite men’s race and host another extensive mass participation event.
Participants in the 2027 London Marathon will be restricted to competing on just one of the two days. Those who enter the ballot can expect to learn the results by early July. This unique two-day format is confirmed to be a singular celebration, with plans for the marathon to revert to its traditional single-day schedule in future years.