The London Marathon is set to undergo a unique transformation in 2027 by spanning two days, aiming to accommodate a larger participation and generate substantial economic benefits. This decision follows a surge in interest, with a record 1.33 million individuals applying for next year’s race, prompting the expansion to allow 100,000 runners in 2027.
Scheduled for Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25, the extended event is anticipated to raise over £150 million for charitable causes and contribute £400 million to the UK’s economy, as stated by Hugh Brasher, the chief executive of London Marathon Events (LME).
All applicants for the upcoming marathon will automatically be entered into a ballot for both days, with the outcome to be revealed in early July. Brasher expressed enthusiasm for this new format, emphasizing its potential to engage more participants, charities, and communities, projecting significant financial benefits for charity and the economy.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, praised this initiative, labeling London as the global hub for sports and welcoming the temporary expansion of the London Marathon into a two-day affair in 2027.
In 2026, the London Marathon recorded 59,830 finishers and raised over £90 million, solidifying its status as the world’s largest annual fundraising event. Notably, the race witnessed a historic moment when Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe broke the sub-two-hour marathon barrier in a competitive setting.
For the 2027 plan, elite female athletes and wheelchair participants will lead on one day, with elite male counterparts taking the spotlight on the other day. Brasher revealed that the concept of a two-day event had been in development for nine years, originating in 2017 with an intended launch in 2020, which faced approval challenges.
The London Marathon’s evolution into a two-day event represents a significant step towards promoting inclusivity, charity support, and economic growth, receiving backing from various stakeholders and officials for this groundbreaking endeavor.