Record Demand for 2027 London Marathon – Could It Become a Two-Day Race?
A record 1,338,544 people have applied to run the 2027 London Marathon, smashing the previous record set last year.The massive figure marks the highest number of public ballot applications in the event’s history, comfortably beating the 1,133,813 applications received for the 2026 race. The 2027 London Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, April 25.London Marathon Events CEO Hugh Brasher described the numbers as “astonishing” and said they confirm the London Marathon’s status as the world’s most sought-after marathon.“Nothing else comes close,” Brasher said. “Our mission is to inspire people of every age and ability to get active — and these extraordinary numbers show the massive draw and power of the London Marathon.”
UK Milestone and Gender BalanceThis is the first time the ballot has received more than one million applications from the UK alone. Registrations were almost equal between male and female applicants.The 2026 London Marathon was the largest ever staged, with a record 59,830 finishers, and remains the biggest annual one-day fundraising event in the world.Ballot results will be announced in early July via a random draw.
Two-Day Event Still Under Consideration
Organisers are actively exploring the possibility of expanding the 2027 London Marathon to a two-day event for the first time.Under the proposal, elite women’s and wheelchair races would be held on one day alongside qualifying female runners, while the elite men’s race would take place on the other day. Mass participation runners would compete across both days.Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Hugh Brasher said he hopes a final decision will be made by the end of May.“This is for one year only,” he said. “We believe it would deliver more than £400 million in economic and social benefit and raise over £150 million for charities.”The idea has sparked discussions with stakeholders due to the unprecedented disruption a Saturday race would cause, but Brasher remains optimistic.
Historic Performances in 2026
Last weekend’s 2026 London Marathon delivered unforgettable moments, with Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe becoming the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race, and Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa breaking her own women’s world record.
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