The London Marathon is set to break new ground in 2027 by transitioning into a two-day event, accommodating an unprecedented 100,000 runners over the weekend of April 24–25. This historic shift comes as a response to the overwhelming interest, with more than 1.3 million hopefuls entering the public ballot. Despite the expansion, the likelihood of securing a spot remains challenging, with acceptance rates staying below 10%.
This one-time format change aims not only to enhance participation but also to significantly boost fundraising efforts. Organizers anticipate that the enlarged event will raise over £150 million for charity, marking it as the most significant fundraising endeavor in the history of UK sports. Additionally, the marathon is expected to contribute approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits, further underscoring its impact.
The schedule for the weekend will see a variety of races spread across the two days. The first day will feature the elite women’s race, elite female para-athletes, championship, and the “Good for Age” women’s races, alongside a large-scale mass participation event expected to draw nearly 50,000 runners. The second day will spotlight the elite men’s race, paired with another extensive mass participation race.
Participants will be limited to competing on only one of the two days, with the announcement of ballot results slated for early July. This unique two-day format is confirmed as a singular celebration, with the London Marathon planning to revert to its traditional single-day format in future editions. The transformation in 2027 is poised to be a landmark event in the marathon’s storied history.