The London Marathon will expand into a two‑day event for the first time next year, with £150m expected to be raised for good causes.
Taking place on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027, the running event next year will host 100,000 participants.
The double event will be a one-off, organisers said in their announcement today, with the expanded format enabling more of the 1.33 million people who entered the ballot for next year’s marathon to take part.
Extra guaranteed entries have been allocated to every London borough along the route from Greenwich to Westminster, which organisers said would enable local grassroots groups and charities to take part.
All additional income generated by the double event will be distributed by the London Marathon Foundation to projects that inspire activity for children and young people across London and the UK.
Charity partner increases fundraising goal
The National Autistic Society (NAS) was named the official charity partner for the 2027 marathon earlier this year, initially securing 250 running spots for next year’s event and aiming to raise £2m from the partnership.
In light of the two-day marathon announcement, an NAS spokesperson said the charity now expects to raise £3.75m, with 1,000 runners next year in total.
Caroline Stevens, NAS chief executive, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be charity of the year for the one-off double TCS London Marathon.
“This incredible opportunity will allow us to celebrate our biggest ever TCS London Marathon, with a record number of participants joining us to help support autistic people and their families.
“The double will make a massive difference to autistic people’s lives by raising vital funds and improving understanding about autism and how to show up for autistic people day-to-day.
“We can’t wait to cheer on our Team Autism participants and celebrate the biggest and most inclusive TCS London Marathon ever.”
Mayor: ‘Largest fundraising moment in UK sporting history’
This year’s marathon holds the record for the world’s largest one-day annual fundraising event, with more than £90m raised to date for charities and 59,830 finishers.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said expanded 2027 marathon would be its “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,” he said.
“We believe that more than £150m can be raised for good causes and the UK economy will have a £400m social and economic benefit.
“We are grateful for the vision and support of the mayor of London, the councils on the route, the emergency services, and all the stakeholders involved who have given their support to enable this world first event to be held for London and the UK.”
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “This unique, one-off double will allow a record 100,000 participants to take part across the two days – creating the largest fundraising moment in UK sporting history and supporting the work of so many incredible charities.
“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.”
