The organizers of next year’s landmark Double TCS London Marathon have settled the race timetable in an unconventional way – a friendly game of rock‑paper‑scissors between two of the event’s most celebrated champions. This light‑hearted showdown determined which elite contests would be held on each day of the two‑day extravaganza slated for April 24‑25, 2027, a historic edition that will accommodate a record‑breaking 100,000 runners, wheelchair athletes, and supporters along the famed route from Greenwich to Westminster. The decision‑making process began when the marathon’s planning committee confirmed that the 2027 event would be split across a Saturday and a Sunday, a departure from the traditional single‑day format.
While the overall structure was set, the specific allocation of the elite men’s, elite women’s, and elite wheelchair races remained undecided. To inject a bit of fun and publicity into the scheduling, the committee invited two of the sport’s most iconic figures – defending men’s champion Sabastian Sawe and four‑time women’s champion Catherine Debrunner – to settle the matter through a best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors contest. Sabastian Sawe entered the competition fresh from his historic victory in 2026, where he became the first runner to break the two‑hour barrier in a marathon, a feat that captured worldwide attention.
Catherine Debrunner, meanwhile, arrived as the reigning women’s wheelchair record‑holder, having set the current benchmark in 2023 and earning four London Marathon titles along the way. Both athletes expressed a strong preference for Sunday, the customary day for the marathon’s elite races, but the final outcome would be determined by chance. After three rapid rounds, Debrunner emerged victorious, securing the Sunday slot for the elite women’s and elite women’s wheelchair events. Consequently, the elite men’s and men’s wheelchair races will take place on Saturday, April 24, while the women’s and women’s wheelchair divisions will headline the Sunday, April 25 program.
This arrangement not only honors the traditional Sunday marathon atmosphere for the women’s races but also provides a dedicated spotlight for each group of elite athletes, allowing fans and media to focus on the performances without the usual overlap of multiple headline events. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, praised the inventive approach.
He noted that the rock‑paper‑scissors duel added a memorable narrative to the marathon’s planning and highlighted the organization’s commitment to creating an engaging experience for participants and spectators alike. "The 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will be a momentous one‑off event, and Sabastian and Catherine's battle was an entertaining way to decide which day would host each elite race," Brasher said. He added that the split schedule will enable the event to "shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part." Beyond the novelty of the scheduling method, the 2027 marathon promises to be a landmark fundraising occasion.
Organizers project that the combined efforts of the 100,000 participants, along with corporate sponsors and charitable partners, will generate more than £150 million for a wide range of causes across the United Kingdom. This financial target would make the event the most lucrative charitable fundraiser in UK sporting history, underscoring the marathon’s reputation as a catalyst for social good as well as athletic excellence. The two‑day format also introduces logistical advantages.
By spreading the mass participation events over both Saturday and Sunday, race directors can better manage crowd flow, provide enhanced medical and hydration services, and reduce congestion on the iconic streets of London. Participants of all genders and identities – including male, female, and non‑binary runners – will have the opportunity to experience the city’s historic landmarks, from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich to the Houses of Parliament, under a more relaxed schedule that minimizes bottlenecks. From a broadcasting perspective, the split elite schedule offers television networks and streaming platforms the chance to deliver uninterrupted coverage of each elite race, potentially boosting viewership numbers and advertising revenue.
Fans worldwide will be able to watch the men’s and men’s wheelchair races on Saturday, followed by a dedicated Sunday showcase of the women’s and women’s wheelchair contests, each with its own pre‑race build‑up, analysis, and post‑race celebrations. The rock‑paper‑scissors contest itself has already become a talking point on social media, with clips of Sawe and Debrunner’s playful hand gestures circulating across platforms. Their good‑natured competition reflects the spirit of camaraderie that the London Marathon has cultivated since its inception, reminding the global running community that sport can be both serious and fun.
In summary, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will unfold over two days – Saturday, April 24, featuring the elite men’s and men’s wheelchair races, and Sunday, April 25, showcasing the elite women’s and women’s wheelchair events. The schedule was determined by a light‑hearted rock‑paper‑scissors showdown between Sabastian Sawe and Catherine Debrunner, with Debrunner securing the Sunday slot.
The event is set to host a record 100,000 participants, generate over £150 million for charity, and deliver a smoother, more focused experience for athletes, spectators, and broadcasters alike.