London Marathon Expands to 100,000 Runners in 2027 as 1.33 Million Seek Places

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 19

100,000 runners will take part in a one-off two-day London Marathon on April 24-25, 2027, with organisers splitting the race across Saturday and Sunday on the usual Greenwich-to-Westminster course.
1,338,544 applications for 2027 drove the expansion, after London Marathon Events said demand had reached an "astonishing" level and effectively doubled ballot chances for next year's applicants.
£150 million for charities and a £400 million UK economic boost are expected from the enlarged event, with extra income earmarked through the London Marathon Foundation for youth activity projects.
Ballot results are due in early July, with Sunday places drawn first and Saturday places second; organisers said final race-format details will be confirmed in coming months.
The 2027 edition will be one year only, extending a race founded in 1981 that had 59,830 finishers in 2026 and raised more than £90 million for charity this year.

Sources

BBC.com5h ago

London Marathon Expands to Two-Day Event in 2027 for 100,000 Participants

The New York Times19h ago

London Marathon plans to hold one-off two day event in 2027 - The Athletic

Reuters5h ago

Athletics Marathon to host 2027 race over two days | Reuters

10 Sources

Can London's two-day marathon maintain its magic for 100,000 runners, or will it become a logistical nightmare?

Is the marathon's £400M boost a sustainable model, or a one-off spectacle that London cannot repeat?

London Marathon 2027 Doubles in Size: 100,000 Runners, £150 Million Charity Target in Historic Two-Day Event

Overview

The 2027 London Marathon will make history as a unique, one-off two-day event called the 'London Marathon Double,' scheduled for April 24 and 25. This unprecedented change is a direct response to overwhelming demand, with a record 1.33 million applicants hoping to participate and organizers targeting 100,000 runners. The expanded format aims to accommodate more participants than ever before, reflecting the marathon’s immense popularity and social impact. This special edition will not only offer a memorable experience for runners and spectators but also set new records in fundraising and community engagement.

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