The London Marathon runs over two days for the only time in its history, with 100,000 runners and the elite races split across the weekend.
The London Marathon runs over two days on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027, the only time in its history, finishing on The Mall in St James’s.
Chris Brasher and John Disley, both Olympic steeplechase medallists, founded the race to show off the capital, and the first was run in 1981. Brasher’s son Hugh is now the race director.
The course is largely flat and follows the Thames, starting from three points around Blackheath and Greenwich Park. The elite race has been one of the World Marathon Majors since 2006, and runners have raised more than £1.4 billion for charity.
The marathon world record has fallen seven times on the course. In 2026 Sabastian Sawe ran 1:59:30, breaking two hours in London, and Paula Radcliffe’s 2:15:25 from 2003 is still the women’s course record.
The organisers call the 2027 edition the Double: 100,000 runners on the same route over both days. The elite, championship and good-for-age races are split by sex across the weekend, and the organisers have said the format will not be repeated.
Friday Night Lights, the evening 5km in Battersea Park added in 2026, is planned for 23 April.