The organizers of next year’s historic double‑header TCS London Marathon have settled the schedule in an unconventional way – by staging a rock‑paper‑scissors showdown between two of the race’s most celebrated former champions. The decision came after months of speculation about how the unprecedented two‑day format would be divided between elite and mass‑participation events. The 2027 edition will be a one‑off, two‑day extravaganza taking place on the weekend of 24‑25 April.
A record‑breaking field of 100,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes will line the iconic route that snakes from Greenwich’s historic Royal Observatory to the grandeur of Westminster, passing landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. This massive turnout is expected to generate the biggest charitable fundraising haul in UK sport history, with organizers projecting more than £150 million will be donated to a wide range of causes. Until recently, the precise allocation of elite races to each of the two days remained a mystery.
The marathon’s governing body wanted to give both the men’s and women’s elite contests, as well as the wheelchair divisions, a dedicated spotlight, rather than cramming everything into a single Saturday as is customary. To resolve the scheduling puzzle, they turned to two of the competition’s most decorated athletes: 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 who set the current women’s wheelchair record in 2023. Sawe and Debrunner were invited to a best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors duel, with the winner earning the right to choose the day for their preferred elite race. Both competitors expressed a strong desire to have their events on Sunday, the traditional marathon day that usually draws the biggest television audience and the most enthusiastic crowds.
In the end, Debrunner emerged victorious, securing the Sunday slot for the elite women’s and elite women’s wheelchair races on 25 April. Consequently, the elite men’s and men’s wheelchair races will open the weekend on Saturday, 24 April. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, praised the playful method of decision‑making.
“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,” he said. He added that the split schedule will allow the organizers to “shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part,” ensuring that each elite competition receives its own dedicated media coverage and fan attention.
The weekend’s programme will be structured as follows: On Saturday, 24 April, the elite men’s marathon will kick off the festivities, followed shortly by the men’s wheelchair division. These high‑profile races will set the tone for the weekend, showcasing world‑class performances and the fierce competition that defines the London Marathon’s elite field. Throughout both days, the mass‑participation events will welcome a diverse mix of runners, including male, female and non‑binary participants, all vying to complete the 26.2‑mile course and raise funds for their chosen charities. Sunday, 25 April, will see the elite women’s marathon and the elite women’s wheelchair race take center stage.
Catherine Debrunner’s triumph in the rock‑paper‑scissors duel guarantees that her own discipline will enjoy the traditional Sunday atmosphere, complete with a larger spectator crowd and heightened global viewership. The women's races are expected to be fiercely contested, with several athletes aiming to challenge Debrunner’s own wheelchair record and the women’s marathon time set in previous years.
Beyond the competitive aspects, the double‑day format is designed to enhance the overall experience for participants and supporters alike. By spreading elite events across two days, the organizers can provide better logistical support, more generous pacing zones, and increased opportunities for live entertainment and community engagement at the start and finish areas.
Spectators will have the chance to cheer on elite athletes on both Saturday and Sunday, creating a sustained festival‑like atmosphere throughout the weekend. The charitable dimension remains a cornerstone of the London Marathon’s identity. With 100,000 participants each pledging personal fundraising targets, the event is poised to surpass the £150 million mark, benefitting a broad spectrum of charities ranging from health research and education to environmental conservation and social welfare. The double‑day layout may even boost donation totals, as runners will have additional opportunities to engage with supporters, host fundraising events, and share their training journeys on social media.
In summary, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will break new ground with its two‑day schedule, record‑size field, and a whimsical rock‑paper‑scissors showdown that determined the elite race calendar. Thanks to the decisive win by Catherine Debrunner, the elite women’s and women’s wheelchair races will headline Sunday, while the elite men’s contests will open Saturday. The event promises not only thrilling competition and a vibrant community celebration but also an unprecedented fundraising achievement that could rewrite the record books for charitable giving in UK sport.