The London Marathon is set to break new ground in 2027 as it transforms into a two-day event for the first time, enabling an unprecedented 100,000 runners to engage in the race over the weekend of April 24–25. This temporary change in format aims to accommodate an overwhelming demand, following a public ballot that saw over 1.3 million entries. Despite significantly increasing the number of participants, the odds of securing a spot remain below 10%.
This expansion is poised to become the greatest fundraising event in the history of UK sports, with organizers anticipating over £150 million to be raised for various charities. Additionally, the marathon is expected to contribute approximately £400 million in social and economic benefits. The new format will have the elite women’s, elite female para-athletes, championship, and “Good for Age” women’s races scheduled for one day, alongside a large-scale event featuring nearly 50,000 participants. The following day will highlight the elite men’s race and another extensive mass participation event.
Participants will be restricted to racing on only one of the two days, with the results of the ballot to be disclosed in early July. The dual-day format is intended as a one-off celebration, after which the London Marathon plans to revert to its traditional single-day arrangement in future years.
This landmark expansion not only underscores the growing popularity and demand for the event but also highlights its significant impact as a fundraising powerhouse and a contributor to the local economy. By accommodating more runners and reaching unprecedented fundraising goals, the 2027 London Marathon is set to leave a lasting legacy, championing both athletic excellence and charitable giving.