The organizers of next year’s historic double‑header TCS London Marathon have settled the race timetable in an unusually playful fashion – a rock‑paper‑scissors showdown between two former champions. This quirky contest determined which elite events would be held on each of the two days of the marathon weekend, adding a light‑hearted footnote to what promises to be a landmark occasion in the sport.
The 2027 edition of the marathon is set to be a one‑off, two‑day extravaganza running from Saturday 24 April to Sunday 25 April. A staggering 100,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes are expected to line the iconic route that stretches from the historic Greenwich foot‑toll bridge, past the River Thames, and finishes in the heart of Westminster.
By splitting the competition across two days, the organizers hope to give each elite race its own spotlight while accommodating an unprecedented volume of participants. Prior to the game, there was uncertainty about how the elite fields would be allocated. The men’s elite race and the men’s wheelchair race were slated for one day, while the women’s elite and women’s wheelchair races were to be placed on the other, but the exact arrangement had not been confirmed. To resolve the issue, the race’s defending men’s champion, Sabastian Sawe – who famously broke the two‑hour barrier in his victorious 2026 run – was asked to join forces with Catherine Debrunner, a four‑time London Marathon champion who still holds the women’s wheelchair record set in 2023.
Their task: a best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors duel to decide which day each elite competition would occupy. Both athletes expressed a preference for Sunday, the traditional marathon day that usually draws the largest television audience and the most enthusiastic crowds. In the end, Debrunner emerged victorious in the quick‑fire contest, securing Sunday, 25 April, for the elite women’s and elite women’s wheelchair races. Consequently, the elite men’s and men’s wheelchair events will kick off the weekend on Saturday, 24 April, giving the opening day a high‑octane start and allowing the Sunday races to close the weekend on a high note.
Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, welcomed the unconventional decision‑making method. He said, “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.” The two‑day format is more than a scheduling gimmick; it is designed to enhance the experience for participants, spectators, and broadcasters alike.
By separating the elite men’s and women’s events, the marathon can allocate dedicated media coverage, sponsor activation, and fan engagement to each race. This approach also eases logistical pressures on the city’s transport network, emergency services, and volunteer workforce, which would otherwise be stretched thin by a single‑day, 100‑thousand‑person surge. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the 2027 marathon is positioned as a fundraising juggernaut.
Organizers anticipate that the event will generate over £150 million for charitable causes, potentially setting a new benchmark for philanthropic fundraising in UK sport. The massive participant base, coupled with a two‑day ticketing structure, offers donors and runners multiple avenues to contribute, from entry‑fee donations to corporate sponsorships and on‑course fundraising challenges.
The decision to use a rock‑paper‑scissors match also underscores a broader trend in modern sport: the blending of serious competition with moments of levity to engage a wider audience. In an era where social media thrives on shareable, human‑interest stories, the image of two elite athletes deciding a multi‑million‑pound event’s schedule with a simple hand game provides a memorable narrative that will likely trend across platforms. For participants, the extended weekend means more flexibility in planning travel, accommodation, and training schedules.
Those aiming for the mass‑participation event can now choose to run on either day, or even split their involvement by volunteering one day and racing the other. The inclusion of non‑binary categories alongside traditional male and female divisions reflects the marathon’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, ensuring that the event remains a celebration of endurance for all. In summary, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will unfold over two days, with the elite men’s and men’s wheelchair races on Saturday, 24 April, and the elite women’s and women’s wheelchair races on Sunday, 25 April, as decided by a rock‑paper‑scissors duel between Sabastian Sawe and Catherine Debrunner. The innovative scheduling promises heightened media focus, smoother city operations, and an unprecedented fundraising opportunity, all while preserving the historic spirit of the London Marathon.
Runners, fans, and charities alike can look forward to a weekend that blends competitive excellence with community spirit, making 2027 a landmark year for one of the world’s most beloved road races.