London Marathon Events (LME) announced on Friday, June 19, that the TCS London Marathon 2027 will expand into a two-day event. Taking place on Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2027, this one-off format will allow 100,000 runners to cross the iconic finish line on The Mall over the course of the weekend.
London Marathon Events has said this is a “one-off format change.” Runners on both days will take on the same 26.2-mile route from Greenwich to Westminster. The double event allows more runners than ever to take part, helping meet the demand for places after 1.33 million people entered the ballot for the 2027 race.
The results of the ballot will be announced in July, with successful runners randomly assigned to either the Saturday or the Sunday race. Participants will not be allowed to take part in the in-person event on both days.
The elite women, elite female wheelchair athletes, championship, and 'good for age' women will lead the mass event one day, with the elite men, elite male wheelchair athletes, championship, and 'good for age' men leading the mass event on the other.
The TCS London Marathon 2026 proved to be one of the most historic editions in the race's history, with Kenya's Sabastian Sawe becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race, crossing the line in 1:59:30. Even more astounding was the fact that he wasn't alone in this victory, with Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha finishing second in 1:59:41.
History was also made in the women's race, with the elite course record being broken by Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei, who crossed the finish line in 2:15:37.
The 2026 event was also the largest London Marathon recorded, with 55,000+ runners crossing the finish line.
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."
I've run the London Marathon 5 times: Here's why this news matters
Being successful in the London Marathon ballot 11 years ago changed the course of my life forever. Training for and running my first marathon helped me overcome an eating disorder that had plagued my teens. Running has transformed my mental health, and has been a constant in my life ever since. It also ignited a life-changing love for running, which has led me to my current role as Fitness Editor at Tom's Guide, but also pushed me to cross the finish line of five more races.
Kathrine Switzer famously stated, "If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon" and she wasn't wrong. Every time I run 26.2 miles, it changes me, and allowing more runners to experience the magic of London on marathon day is, without a doubt, fantastic news.
Whether other Marathon Majors will follow suit remains to be seen, but I imagine they will, making marathon doubles a common occurrence in the racing calendar. Hopefully see you on the start line next April!
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