London plans huge run
Organizers are in advanced talks to stage a two‑day London Marathon in 2027 with 100,000 runners, driven by monster demand after 1.1 million ballot entries for 2026 — a 36% year‑over‑year jump ( ). Last year’s race set a Guinness World Record with 56,640 finishers, which organizers cite as a reason to expand capacity (mirror.co.uk).
Internal planning documents reported by outlets show organisers have discussed staging the event across Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027, with the amateur fields split between the two weekend days. (marathonhandbook.com) Sources say the elite men’s and women’s races are being considered for separate days in the proposed format, creating distinct championship programmes for each day. (marathonhandbook.com) The Mayor of London’s office has told reporters it “looks forward” to working with London Marathon partners to assess whether a weekend staging can be delivered in the capital. (independent.co.uk) London Marathon Events is led by chief executive Hugh Brasher, who took the top role in mid‑2024, and the organisation has said it is “looking at the intention” for a weekend event while emphasising focus on delivering the 2026 race. (sportindustryseries.com) Organisers point to charity income as a driver: the 2025 race raised a record £87.3 million and the event’s cumulative fundraising since 1981 stands at about £1.4 billion, and some internal estimates published in reports suggest a weekend format could push next‑edition donations past £130 million. (londonmarathonevents.co.uk) Reporters note the proposal remains unapproved and would require sign‑off from multiple stakeholders because of major logistical hurdles, including large central‑London road closures and operational planning for two consecutive race days. (telegraph.co.uk)
