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The TCS London Marathon, a proud member of the European Marathon Classics (EMC) series, has announced a landmark transformation for its 2027 edition, introducing a one-off, two-day format that will redefine the scale of marathon running in Europe.

By extending the race across two days, London Marathon Events will significantly increase participation opportunities in response to extraordinary demand. A record 1.33 million runners entered the ballot for the 2026 edition, underlining the growing appeal of marathon running within the EMC community and beyond.

Two Days. One Event. 100,000 People

Scheduled for 24–25 April 2027, the event will welcome an unprecedented 100,000 participants across a single weekend, all running the iconic course from Greenwich to Westminster. This unique “Double” format represents a bold evolution aligned with European Marathon Classics mission to celebrate the heritage, accessibility and global impact of Europe’s most prestigious marathons.

The 2027 edition is also set to elevate the event’s already unmatched charitable impact. As the world’s largest annual one-day fundraising event, the TCS London Marathon raised more than £90 million in 2026. With the new format, organisers anticipate that total fundraising could exceed £150 million, reinforcing the EMC values of social responsibility and community engagement.

The elite race programme will be split across the two days, with women’s elite, para and championship fields leading one day, and men’s fields the other – an approach that enhances visibility and recognition for all categories, reflecting the inclusive spirit shared across all EMC races.

Participants who have entered the ballot will be considered for both race days, though runners will only be able to take part in the mass event once. However, they may combine their in-person participation with the virtual TCS London Marathon MyWay experience.

Full week of running celebrations in London

Beyond the marathon itself, the “Double” will anchor a full week of running celebrations in London, including the TCS London Marathon Running Show, the Friday Night Lights 5K and the TCS Mini London Marathon – the world’s largest one-day timed event for young runners, expected to attract more than 20,000 participants in 2027.

In line with EMC’s commitment to inspiring future generations, every school in London will receive two guaranteed entries for staff, while additional places will be allocated to all boroughs along the route. Additional revenues generated by the expanded format will be reinvested through the London Marathon Foundation into projects promoting physical activity among children and young people.

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.

“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 added:

“London is the sporting capital of the world and I am delighted that, for one year only in 2027, the world famous TCS London Marathon will expand into a two-day event.

“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.”

For European Marathon Classics, this milestone underscores the continued evolution of its member races  combining tradition with innovation to create unforgettable experiences for runners worldwide.

The 2027 TCS London Marathon Double is set to become a defining moment not only for London, but for the entire EMC series and the global marathon community.