London Marathon to expand to two days

London Marathon Events has expanded the 2027 TCS London Marathon into a two-day UK event to accommodate up to 100,000 participants.

The event will take place on 24th and 25th April 2027, marking a one-off format change to increase capacity for runners. Participants will run the standard marathon route from Greenwich to Westminster across both days.

The expansion follows continued high demand for entry places, with more than one million applicants recorded in recent ballots. The two-day format is intended to provide additional access while maintaining the established route and event structure.

The race will be split across two days, with different athlete categories leading the mass participation fields on each day. Further scheduling details are expected to be confirmed ahead of the event.

Participants who have already applied will be entered into a ballot covering both days, with places allocated through a random draw. Individuals will not be permitted to run both in-person events but may take part in one in-person race and the London Marathon MyWay virtual event.

The 2027 edition is expected to increase fundraising capacity for UK charities. The London Marathon is already the largest annual one-day fundraising event globally, with more than £90 million raised by participants in recent editions.

Additional entries will be allocated to schools and community groups across London, with funding generated from the expanded event distributed through the London Marathon Foundation to support youth activity programmes.

The two-day event will be supported by a wider programme across the week, including the Mini London Marathon for children and additional running events. The expansion reflects a broader trend in UK mass participation sport, where organisers are adapting formats to manage demand and increase community engagement.

Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events said, “The 2027 TCS London Marathon Double is our most ambitious evolution to date – a once-in-a-generation one-time-only reimagining of what a marathon and city-wide celebration of activity can be.

“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 that more than £150m can be raised for good causes and the UK economy will have a £400m social and economic benefit.

“We are grateful for the vision and support of the Mayor of London, the councils on the route, the emergency services, and all the stakeholders involved who have given their support to enable this world-first event to be held for London and the UK.” 

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 into a two-day event.

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

“The London Marathon showcases the very best of our capital and we will continue working closely with London Marathon Events and our partners to ensure appropriate measures are in place for the entire weekend as we build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”