The London Marathon is set to break new ground in 2027 by transforming into a two-day event, accommodating an unprecedented 100,000 runners over the weekend of April 24–25. This temporary format shift aims to address the overwhelming demand, evidenced by the 1.3 million entries to the public ballot. Despite this expansion, the odds of securing a spot remain slim, staying below 10% for hopeful participants.
Organizers anticipate that the enlarged marathon will not only set a new record for participation but also for fundraising. It is expected to generate over £150 million for charitable causes, marking it as the largest fundraising event in the history of UK sports. Additionally, the marathon is projected to deliver approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits, underlining its significant impact beyond sporting achievements.
The weekend will be strategically divided to feature various races. One day will host the elite women’s race, the elite female para-athletes, the championship, and the “Good for Age” women’s competitions, alongside nearly 50,000 mass participation runners. The following day will spotlight the elite men’s race, coupled with another large-scale mass participation event, ensuring a comprehensive showcase of athletic prowess across both days.
Participants are restricted to competing on just one day of the event, with the results of the ballot expected to be announced in early July. This two-day format is confirmed as a unique occurrence, intended as a celebratory expansion, with the London Marathon slated to revert to its traditional single-day schedule in subsequent years.