The upcoming 2027 TCS London Marathon will be a historic, two‑day extravaganza, and the final schedule was settled in an unusually playful way – a rock‑paper‑scissors showdown between two of the race’s most celebrated champions. Organisers announced that the marathon will take place on Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April, a rare split‑day format that will accommodate a record‑breaking field of 100,000 runners, wheelchair athletes and spectators along the iconic route that winds from Greenwich’s historic meridian to the grand vistas of Westminster.
The decision‑making process began when the London Marathon’s executive team confirmed that the elite races – the men’s and women’s divisions, plus the men’s and women’s wheelchair events – would be divided between the two days. However, the exact allocation remained a mystery until former champions were asked to settle the matter with a simple game of chance. Sabastian Sawe, the defending men’s champion who famously shattered the two‑hour barrier in his 2026 victory, was paired with Catherine Debrunner, a four‑time London Marathon winner and the current holder of the women’s wheelchair record set in 2023.
Both athletes expressed a preference for Sunday, the traditional marathon day, but the organizers wanted a light‑hearted way to determine the final lineup. In a best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors match, the two legends went head‑to‑head. After a tense first round that ended in a tie, Debrunner clinched the second round with a winning hand, securing the overall victory. As a result, the elite women’s race and the elite women’s wheelchair marathon will be held on Sunday, 25 April.
The men’s elite competition, together with the men’s wheelchair event, will kick off the weekend on Saturday, 24 April. This arrangement not only preserves the classic Sunday atmosphere for the women’s races but also gives the men’s elite contests a dedicated spotlight on Saturday, ensuring that each group receives maximum media attention and fan engagement.
London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher praised the unconventional method, calling it "an entertaining way to decide which day would host each elite race" and emphasizing that the split schedule will "shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part." He added that the two‑day format promises "two spectacular days of elite racing" and hinted that the competition will be "not quite so friendly" once the athletes line up at the start lines. Beyond the elite competition, the marathon will feature a massive mass‑participation element that runs across both days.
Runners of all genders and identities – male, female, and non‑binary – will have the opportunity to join the historic course, making the event one of the most inclusive and diverse gatherings in the sport. The organizers expect the dual‑day structure to accommodate the logistical challenges of such a large field while providing a smoother experience for participants, volunteers, and spectators alike. Financially, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon is poised to become the most significant fundraising occasion in UK sporting history. Projections indicate that more than £150 million could be raised for charitable causes, surpassing previous records and reinforcing the marathon’s reputation as a powerful platform for philanthropy.
The event’s charitable focus has always been a cornerstone of its identity, with runners often dedicating their miles to a wide array of causes ranging from health research to community development. The decision to split the elite races also reflects a broader trend in marathon organization, where event planners seek to maximize exposure for top athletes while managing crowd control and safety concerns. By allocating separate days for the men’s and women’s elite fields, the London Marathon can offer dedicated broadcast windows, tailored sponsor activations, and enhanced fan experiences.
This approach is expected to benefit athletes, who will race in front of more focused audiences, and sponsors, who can align their branding with specific elite performances. The rock‑paper‑scissors contest itself has captured public imagination, adding a whimsical narrative to the marathon’s build‑up. Social media buzzed with clips of Sawe and Debrunner preparing for the showdown, and fans worldwide tuned in to see which hand would prevail.
The light‑hearted competition underscores the camaraderie and sportsmanship that define the marathon community, even among its most elite members. Looking ahead, participants and spectators can anticipate a weekend filled with world‑class performances, community spirit, and charitable generosity. The Saturday race will open the festivities with the men’s elite marathon and the men’s wheelchair competition, setting a high‑energy tone for the weekend.
Sunday will then showcase the women’s elite marathon and the women’s wheelchair race, culminating in a celebratory finish line that honors both athletic achievement and the charitable contributions of every runner. In summary, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will be a landmark event, distinguished by its two‑day format, record‑breaking participant numbers, and a novel scheduling decision made through a simple game of rock‑paper‑scissors. The marathon promises to deliver unforgettable moments on both days, spotlighting elite athletes, embracing inclusivity, and driving an unprecedented fundraising effort that could exceed £150 million for charities across the United Kingdom.