London Marathon 2027 Could Expand Into a Two‑Day Event

Organisers of the London Marathon have confirmed that they are assessing the possibility of staging the 2027 edition across two separate days. Although no final decision has been made, the idea is being actively explored as a way to accommodate a significantly larger field of runners without overwhelming the city’s logistics.

The discussion follows an unprecedented surge in interest. A record 1.1 million people entered the public ballot for the 2026 race — a 36% increase compared with the previous year. Despite the huge demand, only a small fraction of applicants will ultimately secure a place on the start line.

A spokesperson for London Marathon Events highlighted that the race remains the most sought‑after marathon in the world, and that the organisation is continually looking for innovative ways to welcome more participants while maintaining a high‑quality experience for runners and London residents alike. Together with partners and city authorities, the team is evaluating whether a two‑day format could be introduced in 2027.

For now, the primary focus is on delivering an exceptional 2026 London Marathon on Sunday, 26 April. Organisers emphasise that every effort is being made to ensure that all runners enjoy a memorable race day.

The 2025 edition set a new record with 56,640 finishers. Based on last year’s number of starters — 57,449 — only around 5% of all applicants will have the opportunity to take part in the 2026 race. Reports suggest that discussions are already at an advanced stage regarding a one‑off expanded format that could allow up to 100,000 runners to participate over a single weekend.

A spokesperson for London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that the capital remains a global hub for major sporting events, and that City Hall is open to working with organisers to assess whether a two‑day marathon could be feasible next year.

Source: BBC Sport