The London Marathon is set to break new ground in 2027 by transforming into a two-day event, accommodating an unprecedented 100,000 runners over the weekend of April 24-25. This temporary change in format is intended to address the overwhelming demand, as more than 1.3 million individuals entered the public ballot. Despite the larger field, the likelihood of obtaining a race spot will remain below 10%.
Organizers anticipate that this expanded event will generate over £150 million for charity, marking it as the largest fundraising event in UK sports history. Additionally, the marathon is forecasted to contribute approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits. This exceptional format aims to maximize participation while maintaining the event’s charitable impact.
The weekend’s schedule will be divided, with the first day featuring the elite women’s race, elite female para-athletes, championship, and “Good for Age” women’s races, alongside a mass participation event involving nearly 50,000 runners. The second day will spotlight the elite men’s race and host another large-scale mass participation event. Each participant will be allowed to compete on only one of the two days.
The ballot results for this unique two-day event are expected to be announced in early July. While the expansion is confirmed as a one-time celebration, the London Marathon is anticipated to revert to its traditional single-day format in subsequent years. This historic change not only caters to the growing enthusiasm for the marathon but also exemplifies its commitment to charitable causes and community engagement.