Organizers of the London Marathon are considering a historic shift: transforming the 2027 edition into a two-day festival. This move could see a record-breaking 100,000 finishers cross the line, significantly boosting the lottery odds for thousands of hopeful participants.
A Marathon Weekend: 50,000 Runners Each Day
According to reports from The Guardian on March 25, 2026, organizers of one of the world’s most prestigious races are in advanced talks to expand the event to two days. The project, tentatively named the “Double London Marathon,” proposes that the 2027 event take place on Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25. The primary goal is to accommodate 100,000 participants, with 50,000 amateur runners hitting the course each day.
While these plans have yet to receive formal approval, the proposal reportedly enjoys strong support from the office of the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. The event in this format is currently being considered as a one-time special edition rather than a permanent change to the World Marathon Majors calendar. Utilizing the entire weekend would allow for doubling the current course capacity without overcrowding the field on a single day—previously the biggest logistical hurdle for organizers.
Split Elite Fields: Ending Concurrent Starts
The innovation would extend beyond the amateur field. The plan also includes a revolution for professional athletes: the men’s and women’s elite races would be separated and held on different days. This approach would allow media and fans to focus entirely on each group individually, potentially transforming TV broadcasts and increasing exposure for top-tier sport. Spectators lined up from Greenwich to Buckingham Palace would enjoy two full days of elite competition instead of one condensed morning.
Targeting £130 Million for Charity
A key argument for the expanded format is its unprecedented impact on the charitable sector. In 2025, a record 56,540 finishers helped raise £87.3 million, making the London Marathon the largest single-day fundraising event in the world. By doubling the number of starters in 2027, organizers have set an ambitious goal of raising over £130 million for charity. This scale of support for non-profits is seen as a powerful signal of unity and positive social impact during challenging economic times.
Over One Million Applicants for 2026: A 2% Chance in the Lottery
The decision to potentially expand the field stems from a massive surge in demand that breaks records every year. More than 1.1 million people applied for the 2026 edition, a staggering jump from the roughly 410,000 applicants seen just three years prior. With the current number of spots available in the public ballot, the chance of securing a bib is only about 2%. While this is still favorable compared to the 2026 New York City Marathon—where a quarter of a million people applied for just 2,500 spots—the pressure to increase limits in London is immense.
In an official statement, Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, emphasized that the organization is constantly seeking innovative ways to allow more people to participate. Although Brasher has not yet confirmed a final decision for 2027, he noted that the goal is to cultivate the marathon spirit, bringing joy and a sense of achievement to today’s world. Expanding the race by an extra day is a natural step toward fulfilling the dreams of thousands of runners who have unsuccessfully entered the lottery for years.
Will 2027 Change the History of the Race by the Thames?
While the vision of 100,000 runners on the streets of London generates huge enthusiasm, the project still awaits final approval and logistical fine-tuning. For now, organizers are focused on the upcoming 2026 edition, scheduled for April 26. However, if the 2027 plans are finalized, it will mark the biggest change in the event’s 45-year history, potentially redefining the standards for organizing major road races globally.
