In a groundbreaking move, the London Marathon is set to extend its event across two days in 2027, accommodating an unprecedented 100,000 runners over the weekend of April 24–25. This unique adjustment comes in response to a staggering interest, as over 1.3 million individuals entered the public ballot for participation. Despite the expansion, the likelihood of securing a spot remains slim, with chances still below 10%.
The decision to broaden the marathon’s format is expected to yield significant charitable and economic benefits. Organizers anticipate raising more than £150 million for charity, positioning it as the most lucrative fundraising event in UK sporting history. Additionally, the marathon is projected to contribute approximately £400 million in social and economic advantages to the community.
The two-day schedule will be carefully structured to ensure a seamless experience for all participants. The first day is slated to feature the elite women’s race, the elite female para-athletes, the championship, and the “Good for Age” women’s races, alongside a massive participation event that will see nearly 50,000 runners take part. On the following day, the elite men’s race will take center stage, accompanied by another large-scale mass participation event.
To maintain the event’s integrity and manage the large number of runners, participants will be allowed to compete on only one of the two days. Those eager to know their fate will have to wait until early July when the results of the ballot are expected to be announced. This special two-day celebration is confirmed to be a one-time occurrence, with plans to revert to the traditional single-day format in subsequent editions of the London Marathon.