London Marathon organisers are already putting plans in place to make the 2027 edition a different prospect entirely
The iconic London Marathon will take place this weekend. However, there are talks to dramatically change how the event operates from next year.
This 2026 run is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, but it could be the last edition of the race as fans currently know it, with marathon chiefs in talks to extend the event across two days. There is also a plan forming to host twice as many runners come 2027.
The marathon has been taking place on the streets of the capital since 1981. The race itself has traditionally taken place across one day but with numbers growing, and demand for places increasing, organisers have stepped in.
Plans are coming together for the marathon to take place over a weekend rather than just one day. An incredible 1,133,813 people applied through the public ballot to participate in this year’s run.
That represents a 36 per cent increase on 2024’s ballot numbers with the 2025 event also raising a staggering £87.3 million for charity – its highest-ever total. Last year’s race also set the Guinness World Record for the most finishers in a single marathon, with 56,640 completing the circuit.
READ MORE: The 65p baking ingredient that is being used to rewrite athletics’ record booksREAD MORE: World’s oldest marathon runner revealed the one food he ate daily to survive until 114th birthday
A London Marathon spokesperson said: “The TCS London Marathon is the world ’s most popular marathon, and we are continually exploring innovative ways to enable more people to take part, while delivering positive benefits for London.
“Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are looking at the intention for the 2027 TCS London Marathon to take place across two days.
“No approval has been given at this stage. Our immediate focus is on delivering an incredible 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April and ensuring every participant has an amazing experience.
“This work is carried out in close collaboration with our partners and stakeholders, whose support is essential in staging this incredible event in the heart of the capital each year.
“We are currently four weeks away from the 2026 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26 April, and we are looking forward to amplifying one of the original aims of the London Marathon, which was ‘to show happiness and sense of achievement in a somewhat troubled world’.
“Poignantly, those words resonate even more now than they did almost 45 years ago to the day, when the first London Marathon took place.”
A Mayor of London spokesperson added: “London is the sporting capital of the world and the Mayor looks forward to working with London Marathon partners to consider if it might be possible to host an event that will run across two days next year.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.