2027 London Marathon will be a two-day event, organisers announce

The 2027 London Marathon will be a two-day event with 100,000 runners taking to the streets of the capital, organisers have announced.

London Marathon Events said the “one-time-only” race could see more than £150m raised for good causes and a £400m social and economic benefit.

The event, set to take place on 24 and 25 April, will help to meet “extraordinary demand for places” after 1.3 million people entered the ballot to take part.

Applicants who have already expressed interest for next year’s event will automatically be entered in the ballot for both days, and the results of the random draw will be announced in early July.

Additional guaranteed entries have been allocated to every London borough along the route, “enabling grassroots groups and charities to take part and benefit from the expanded event”, organisers said.

Hugh Brasher, chief executive 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.”

London Marathon Events has been contacted regarding the number of official charity partners set to be announced for the expanded event. A spokesperson previously declined to comment on how many additional running spots might be available to charities.

The 2026 Marathon raised more than £90m for charity. After the event, LME named The National Autistic Society as its official partner for the 2027 event.

Every London school will receive two guaranteed entries for teachers or staff and all additional income generated from next year’s event will be distributed by the London Marathon Foundation to projects supporting children and young people, LME said.

Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said the event’s expansion will create the “largest fundraising moment in UK sporting history” and support the work of “so many incredible charities”.

Khan said: “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.”