The London Marathon is set to make history in 2027 by becoming a two-day event for the first time, accommodating a record 100,000 runners over the weekend of April 24–25. This temporary change in format seeks to address the overwhelming demand, as evidenced by the more than 1.3 million entries received through the public ballot. Despite the expansion, the probability of obtaining a spot will remain under 10%, illustrating the marathon’s immense popularity.
Organizers anticipate that the expanded event will raise over £150 million for charity, which would establish it as the largest fundraising event in the history of UK sports. Additionally, the marathon is expected to generate approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits. This highlights the event’s significant impact, not only in terms of participation but also in its contributions to various causes and economic growth.
The weekend’s schedule is strategically designed to feature diverse competitions. The first day will include the elite women’s race, elite female para-athletes, championship contests, and the “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 will also host another large-scale mass participation event, ensuring that both days offer thrilling opportunities for competitors and spectators alike.
Each participant will be allowed to compete on only one of the two days, with the results of the ballot expected to be announced in early July. This special two-day format is confirmed as a unique celebration and a one-time occurrence, with the London Marathon planning to revert to its traditional single-day format in subsequent years. This singular change underscores the event’s adaptability in the face of unprecedented interest while maintaining its storied legacy.