- The 2027 London Marathon will expand into a unique two-day event.
- Up to 100,000 runners will participate across Saturday and Sunday dates.
- Economic benefits and charity gains are expected to reach massive totals.
The 2027 edition of the London Marathon is set to be a one-off double event. This change is being made because a record 1,338,544 people applied for a spot. The event will allow 100,000 people to take part across Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April.
The chief executive of London Marathon Events says this is a huge shift. He mentioned that the UK economy will have a £400m social benefit. Moreover it is hoped that more than £150m will be raised for various charities via the participants.
Applicants for next year are automatically put into the ballot for both days. The results are expected to be shared in early July. « The 2027 London Marathon double is our most ambitious evolution to date », according to the chief executive of London Marathon Events.
The 2027 race will feature a split gender format
The plan is that elite women and female wheelchair athletes lead the mass event on one day. Meanwhile the elite men and male wheelchair athletes will lead on the other. All participants will run the route from Greenwich to Westminster which is the usual path.
Read also: Football : Hull could face a points deduction while competing in the Premier LeagueThis specific layout was actually imagined back in 2017. However, it was not possible to get the needed permission in 2020. The Mayor of London expressed delight that the world famous race will expand into two days for one year only.
The Mini London Marathon is still scheduled for Friday with 20,000 kids. Additional money made from this new format will be handled by the London Marathon Foundation. It will be used for projects that inspire activity for young people across the UK.
The ballot process will be done in two stages. A draw for the traditional Sunday slot happens first. After that, a second draw is performed for the Saturday. The chief executive remains firm that this expanded event is for one year only despite the high demand.
