The London Marathon will expand to a record-setting two-day event in 2027 Athletics news

Next year as a special event the London Marathon will be held over two days on April 24-25; “A once-in-a-generation marathon and reimagining of what a city-wide celebration of activity can be,” said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events.

Runners approach Tower Bridge during the 2026 TCS London Marathon

For the first time, the London Marathon will be held over two days next year.

The 2027 Marathon will take place on both Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April in a single event.

The elite women, elite female para-athletes, championships and ‘good for age’ women will lead the mass event on one day while the elite men, elite male para-athletes, championships and ‘good for age’ men will lead the mass events, with details of the format to be confirmed in the coming months.

The change means the London Marathon in 2027 will be its biggest ever, allowing a record number of participants to enter, meeting the high demand for 1.33 million entry places on the ballot for next year’s event.

Daddy Pig (left) and Joe Weeks at the London Marathon.

“By expanding to 100,000 runners across two days, we’re opening the door for more people, more charities and more communities to take part in the world’s greatest marathon. We believe more than £150 million can be raised for good causes and the UK economy will have a social and economic benefit of £400 million,” said Even London’s CE Marths & Marths.

“The 2027 TCS London Marathon Double is our most ambitious evolution yet – a once-in-a-generation, once-only reimagining of what a marathon and city-wide celebration of activity can be.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “London is the sporting capital of the world and I am delighted that, for one year only in 2027, the world famous TCS London Marathon will expand to a two-day event.

“This unique, one-off double will allow a record 100,000 participants to take part across two days – creating the biggest fundraising moment in UK sporting history and supporting the work of so many incredible charities.

“The London Marathon showcases the best of our capital and we will continue to work closely with the London Marathon event and our partners to ensure appropriate measures are taken throughout the weekend as we build a better, more prosperous London for all.”