The organizers of next year’s historic double‑header TCS London Marathon have finally settled the calendar after an unexpected showdown: a rock‑paper‑scissors duel between two of the race’s most celebrated champions. The 2027 edition will be a one‑off, two‑day extravaganza taking place on Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April, with a staggering 100,000 runners expected to tackle the iconic route that winds from Greenwich’s historic meridian to the ceremonial heart of Westminster. The precise allocation of the elite races to each of the two days had remained a mystery up until now. To resolve the scheduling puzzle, the marathon’s governing body called upon the defending men’s champion, Sabastian Sawe, who famously shattered the two‑hour barrier in his 2026 victory, and Catherine Debrunner, a four‑time London Marathon winner and the holder of the women’s wheelchair record set in 2023.
The two athletes faced off in a best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors contest, each hoping to secure the traditional Sunday slot for their respective events. Both Sawe and Debrunner expressed a strong preference for Sunday, the day that has historically hosted the marathon’s headline races. In the end, Debrunner emerged victorious, clinching the win with a decisive hand gesture.
As a result, the elite women’s marathon and the elite women’s wheelchair marathon will be staged on Sunday, 25 April. The men’s elite race and the men’s wheelchair competition will therefore kick off the weekend on Saturday, 24 April.
The weekend’s programme has been carefully crafted to maximise exposure for the world‑class athletes while also accommodating the massive mass‑participation component. On Saturday, the day will open with the elite men’s marathon followed by the men’s wheelchair race.
The following day, the spotlight will shift to the elite women’s marathon and the women’s wheelchair division. Throughout both days, the mass‑participation events—open to runners, walkers, and non‑binary participants—will run concurrently, ensuring that the celebratory atmosphere of the London Marathon is felt across the entire city. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, commented on the novel approach: "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. We can now look forward to two spectacular days of elite racing, with the men opening the weekend on Saturday 24 April and the women launching the second day on Sunday 25 April.
The competition may not be quite so friendly when race weekend arrives! Splitting the elite races will allow us to shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part." Beyond the sporting spectacle, the two‑day format is expected to generate unprecedented charitable fundraising. Organisers project that the 2027 marathon will become the largest fundraising moment in UK sporting history, with more than £150 million anticipated to be donated to a wide range of charitable causes.
The expanded schedule provides additional opportunities for corporate partners, community groups, and individual donors to engage with the event and contribute to its philanthropic goals. The decision to use a simple game of chance to allocate the elite race days may seem whimsical, but it underscores the marathon’s commitment to inclusivity and fun. By involving two of the sport’s most beloved figures in a light‑hearted contest, the organizers have created a narrative that resonates with both serious athletes and casual fans.
The story of Sawe and Debrunner’s playful showdown adds a human element to what could otherwise be a purely logistical announcement. From a logistical standpoint, the two‑day structure offers several advantages.
First, it eases the strain on city infrastructure, allowing police, medical services, and volunteers to concentrate resources on one elite race at a time. Second, it provides spectators with a clearer schedule, enabling them to plan attendance around the specific events they wish to watch.
Finally, the split format gives broadcasters the chance to air each elite race in prime viewing slots, potentially increasing global viewership and further boosting the marathon’s commercial appeal. Athletes have also welcomed the change. Sabastian Sawe, while gracious in defeat, praised the concept: "It was a fun way to decide the schedule, and I’m excited to race on Saturday. The crowd energy in London is unbeatable, and I can’t wait to give it everything I’ve got." Debrunner echoed the sentiment, noting that competing on Sunday will allow her to race in front of the traditional marathon crowd while also giving her a full day to recover from any pre‑race preparations.
In summary, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will unfold over two consecutive days in late April, featuring a record‑breaking field of 100,000 participants and a clear division of elite races: men’s events on Saturday, women’s events on Sunday. The schedule was settled through a rock‑paper‑scissors duel between Sabastian Sawe and Catherine Debrunner, with Debrunner securing the Sunday slot for the women’s elite races.
The event promises not only thrilling competition but also a historic fundraising achievement, aiming to raise over £150 million for charities across the United Kingdom.