Rock‑Paper‑Scissors Decides Dates for London Marathon

The upcoming 2027 edition of the iconic TCS London Marathon will be unlike any other in the race’s storied history. Organisers have announced that the schedule for the double‑day event was settled in an unconventional way – a simple game of rock, paper, scissors played between two of the competition’s most celebrated champions. This playful showdown not only added a touch of fun to the planning process but also determined exactly when each elite race will take place during the two‑day extravaganza.

**A Unique Two‑Day Format** For 2027, the marathon will stretch over the weekend of 24‑25 April, marking a one‑off, two‑day format that will accommodate a staggering 100,000 runners. The course will still follow the classic route that winds from the historic maritime district of Greenwich, past the Tower of London, across the Thames, and finishes in the political heart of Westminster. By splitting the event across Saturday and Sunday, the organisers aim to give both elite athletes and the massive mass‑participation field a more focused spotlight and a smoother logistical experience.

**The Contestants: Sabastian Sawe and Catherine Debrunner** Two former champions were called upon to help lock in the final timetable. Sabastian Sawe, the defending men’s champion who famously shattered the two‑hour barrier in his victorious 2026 run, was invited to lend his insight. Equally impressive, Catherine Debrunner – a four‑time London Marathon winner and holder of the women’s wheelchair record set in 2023 – joined Sawe at the decision‑making table. Both athletes expressed a strong preference for Sunday, the traditional marathon day, but the ultimate choice had to be settled fairly.

**Rock, Paper, Scissors – Best‑of‑Three Showdown** The solution was simple yet entertaining: a best‑of‑three rock, paper, scissors match. Each competitor threw down their hand gestures, and after a brief, light‑hearted battle, Debrunner emerged victorious. Her win secured the elite women’s race and the elite women’s wheelchair race for Sunday, 25 April.

Consequently, the elite men’s race and the men’s wheelchair competition will be staged on Saturday, 24 April. This arrangement ensures that each gender’s elite events receive their own dedicated day, allowing fans, media, and sponsors to focus attention on the athletes without the usual scheduling conflicts. **Quotes from the Organisers** Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, praised the innovative approach.

He noted, “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 April 24 and the women launching the second day on Sunday April 25. 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.” **Mass Participation and Inclusivity** Beyond the elite competitions, the marathon will continue its tradition of inclusivity by welcoming participants of all genders and abilities.

The mass‑participation events will be spread over both days, giving runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes the flexibility to choose the day that best fits their schedule. The event will also feature categories for non‑binary participants, reinforcing London Marathon’s commitment to diversity and equal opportunity. **Fundraising Impact** The two‑day format is expected to generate unprecedented charitable contributions.

Organisers project that the 2027 marathon will raise more than £150 million for a wide range of charitable causes, potentially setting a new benchmark for fundraising in UK sport. The massive field of 100,000 participants, combined with high‑profile corporate sponsorship and extensive media coverage, creates a powerful platform for donors and charities to engage with a global audience. **Why the Change Matters** Splitting the elite races across two days offers several strategic advantages. First, it reduces the logistical strain on city infrastructure, allowing police, medical services, and volunteers to concentrate resources on a single elite race each day.

Second, it provides broadcasters with dedicated airtime to showcase each elite competition in depth, enhancing viewer experience and sponsor visibility. Finally, it gives athletes a clearer, less crowded race environment, which can translate into faster times and more dramatic finishes.

**Looking Ahead** As the marathon weekend approaches, excitement is building among both elite athletes and the millions of supporters worldwide. The novelty of a rock, paper, scissors decision adds a human, relatable element to the otherwise highly professional world of elite sport. Fans can now mark their calendars: Saturday, 24 April will feature the men’s elite and men’s wheelchair races, while Sunday, 25 April will host the women’s elite and women’s wheelchair contests.

Throughout both days, the mass‑participation events will bring together a vibrant, diverse community of runners, all united by the shared goal of personal achievement and charitable giving. In summary, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon promises to be a landmark event: a historic two‑day race, a record‑breaking fundraising effort, and a celebration of athletic excellence decided in the most playful way possible – a simple game of rock, paper, scissors.