London Marathon organizers are considering expanding the event to span two days in 2027 to accommodate a larger number of participants. Established in 1981, the marathon has been an annual fixture in the city ever since.
Traditionally held over a single day, the marathon may now transition to a weekend-long affair to cater to the growing number of attendees. A spokesperson for the London Marathon expressed the intention to potentially extend the event to a two-day format for the 2027 edition, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to enhance participation opportunities and generate positive impacts for London.
Chief executive Hugh Brasher highlighted the London Marathon’s status as the world’s most popular marathon and emphasized the continuous exploration of innovative ways to engage more people and benefit London. Collaborating closely with partners and stakeholders, the organizers aim to deliver an exceptional experience for all participants in the upcoming 2026 marathon.
The Mayor of London’s office also welcomed the prospect of a two-day event in the following year, affirming London’s reputation as a global sporting hub. The current year’s marathon attracted a record number of 1,133,813 applicants through the public ballot, marking a significant 36% increase from the previous year.
Furthermore, the event achieved its highest-ever fundraising total of £87.3 million, with the previous year’s marathon setting a Guinness World Record for the most finishers in a single marathon, with 56,640 participants completing the race.
In other news, England and Nike have unveiled the new home, away, and goalkeeper kits for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, accompanied by an offer of free delivery on all orders using the code ENGFREEDEL.