London Marathon is in discussions about a potential one-off, two-day race in 2027. The proposal would see elite women compete on Saturday and elite men on Sunday, a significant shift from its current format.
Chief Executive Hugh Brasher confirmed ongoing talks with multiple stakeholders, emphasizing that final approval has not yet been secured. The undertaking involves considerable planning, impacting not only the marathon organizers but also the city of London.
Brasher noted the complexity of London's 2027 sporting calendar, which includes an FA Cup semi-final and the Tour de France Femmes, as a key factor in the discussions. If approved, this would be a unique event.
Research from Sheffield Hallam University suggests a two-day marathon could generate over 130 million pounds for charity and 400 million pounds in economic benefits. The 2025 London Marathon already set a record, raising 87.3 million pounds. This year's race expects approximately 59,000 finishers, aiming for a world record. Elite races on Sunday are anticipated to be highly competitive, featuring top athletes like Sebastian Sawe and Tigst Assefa.