The organizers of the historic double‑edition of the TCS London Marathon have finally settled the schedule for next year’s race after an unconventional showdown: a rock‑paper‑scissors match between two former champions. The 2027 marathon will be a unique, two‑day spectacle running from Saturday, 24 April, to Sunday, 25 April, and is set to host a record‑breaking field of 100,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes as they make their way along the iconic route that stretches from Greenwich to Westminster. The decision‑making process was prompted by lingering uncertainty about how the elite categories would be split across the two days.

While the mass‑participation events were already slated to run on both Saturday and Sunday, the precise placement of the elite men’s, elite women’s, elite men’s wheelchair and elite women’s wheelchair races had yet to be confirmed. To add a touch of drama—and perhaps a bit of publicity—the marathon’s chief executive, Hugh Brasher, invited two of the sport’s most celebrated figures to settle the matter with a simple, best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors contest. The competitors were Sabastian Sawe, the defending men’s champion who famously shattered the two‑hour barrier in his 2026 victory, and 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 strong desire to have their respective races on Sunday, the traditional marathon day that draws the biggest television audience and the most enthusiastic crowds. The match was filmed and streamed, providing a light‑hearted interlude in the lead‑up to what promises to be a historic sporting weekend. After three 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 elite men’s wheelchair races will kick off the weekend on Saturday, 24 April. This arrangement allows the organizers to give each elite competition its own spotlight, rather than crowding all four headline races into a single day.

"Splitting the elite races will allow us to shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part," Brasher said in a press release. The two‑day format is not merely a novelty; it is also a strategic move to maximise fundraising potential. The London Marathon has long been a cornerstone of UK charitable giving, and the 2027 edition is projected to become the single largest fundraising event in the country’s sporting history.

Organisers anticipate that more than £150 million will be raised for a wide array of charitable causes, driven by the massive participation numbers and the heightened media exposure that a split elite schedule will generate. Beyond the logistics, the decision to use a rock‑paper‑scissors duel reflects a broader trend in sports marketing: blending competition with entertainment to engage a global audience. By turning a scheduling decision into a public spectacle, the marathon’s brand reinforces its reputation for innovation while honoring the athletes who have become synonymous with the event’s legacy. The marathon weekend will unfold as follows: **Saturday, 24 April – Day One** - Elite men’s marathon start at the traditional 9:00 a.m.

slot. - Elite men’s wheelchair race will follow shortly after, allowing spectators to witness two of the sport’s most demanding events back‑to‑back. - Mass‑participation races will be open to runners, walkers, and non‑binary participants of all abilities, with staggered starts to ensure smooth flow along the course.

**Sunday, 25 April – Day Two** - Elite women’s marathon will take the lead, beginning at the classic 9:00 a.m. start time. - Elite women’s wheelchair marathon will follow, completing the elite lineup for the weekend.

- The mass‑participation element will continue, offering another opportunity for the 100,000‑strong crowd to experience the historic route. The double‑marathon concept is a first for the London event, and it is being billed as a "momentous one‑off" occasion. By spreading the elite competition over two days, the organizers hope to create a more immersive experience for both live spectators and television viewers.

The staggered schedule also provides a logistical advantage, reducing congestion on the course and allowing medical and safety teams to focus resources more effectively. From a participant’s perspective, the expanded format means more flexibility. Runners who might have previously been forced to choose between a Saturday or Sunday start can now select the day that best fits their training schedule, travel plans, or personal preference.

The inclusion of non‑binary categories in the mass‑participation field underscores the marathon’s commitment to inclusivity and reflects the evolving nature of mass‑participation sport. In addition to the athletic competition, the marathon weekend will feature a series of ancillary events designed to celebrate the city’s cultural heritage.

Live music stages, community fitness zones, and charity expos will be scattered throughout the route, offering participants and spectators a festive atmosphere that goes beyond the race itself. Local businesses along the Thames corridor are expected to see a surge in foot traffic, further amplifying the economic impact of the event.

The rock‑paper‑scissors showdown may have been a light‑hearted way to decide the schedule, but the implications are far‑reaching. By giving each elite race its own day, the London Marathon will be able to showcase the achievements of athletes like Sabastian Sawe and Catherine Debrunner in greater detail, providing broadcasters with more airtime to tell the stories behind the performances. This, in turn, can inspire a new generation of runners and wheelchair athletes, reinforcing the marathon’s role as a catalyst for health, fitness, and charitable giving.

As the countdown to April 2027 begins, the excitement is palpable. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner, a first‑time participant, a devoted fan of elite distance running, or a supporter of charitable causes, the upcoming double‑marathon promises an unforgettable experience. The rock‑paper‑scissors decision has set the stage for two days of world‑class competition, community spirit, and record‑breaking fundraising—making the 2027 London Marathon a landmark moment in the history of the sport.