The organizers of the upcoming double‑header TCS London Marathon have settled the 2027 race calendar in an unconventional way – a friendly game of rock, paper, scissors between two of the event’s most celebrated alumni. The decision came after a brief but entertaining showdown that determined which elite contests would be held on each of the two days slated for the historic race weekend.
The 2027 edition 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, wheelchair athletes and participants of all gender identities are expected to line the iconic route that stretches from the Royal Observatory in Greenwich to the grandeur of Westminster. This massive turnout will make the event the biggest fundraising spectacle in the United Kingdom’s sporting calendar, with organisers projecting that more than £150 million will be raised for charitable causes. Prior to the game, the marathon’s schedule for the elite fields remained uncertain.
While the men’s elite race and the men’s wheelchair race were tentatively earmarked for Saturday, and the women’s elite and women’s wheelchair races for Sunday, a final confirmation was still needed. To resolve the matter, the London Marathon invited two former champions – Sabastian Sawe, the defending men’s champion who famously shattered the two‑hour barrier in his 2023 victory, and Catherine Debrunner, a four‑time London Marathon winner who set the current women’s wheelchair record in 2023 – to settle the date selection with a best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors contest. Both athletes expressed a desire to race on the traditional Sunday marathon day, but the outcome of the game ultimately decided the lineup. In the decisive third round, Debrunner emerged victorious, securing the Sunday slot for the elite women’s race and the elite women’s wheelchair race.
As a result, the Saturday programme will feature the elite men’s marathon and the men’s wheelchair marathon, while the Sunday programme will showcase the women’s marathon and the women’s wheelchair marathon. The mass‑participation events, which welcome a diverse mix of male, female and non‑binary runners, will be spread across both days, allowing thousands of amateurs to experience the historic course. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, praised the light‑hearted method of decision‑making.
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 choice to split the elite contests across two days reflects a broader strategic aim: to give each group of top athletes a dedicated stage, free from the logistical constraints of a single‑day marathon. By allocating a full day to the men’s and men’s wheelchair fields, and a separate day to the women’s and women’s wheelchair fields, broadcasters, sponsors and spectators will be able to focus their attention on the performances without the usual time‑pressured overlaps. This format also promises a richer experience for fans attending the event in person, as they can witness the drama of elite competition on both Saturday and Sunday, rather than watching a condensed schedule. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the double‑day format is expected to amplify fundraising efforts.
With 100,000 participants, each runner typically raises money for a chosen charity, and the extended weekend provides additional opportunities for corporate partners, community groups and individual donors to engage. The marathon’s charitable legacy has grown steadily since its inception, and the 2027 event aims to set a new benchmark, targeting more than £150 million in donations – a figure that would eclipse previous records and reinforce the marathon’s reputation as a leading vehicle for philanthropy in the UK.
Logistically, the organisers have prepared for the increased scale. Road closures will be coordinated across two consecutive days, ensuring smoother traffic management and allowing more neighborhoods along the route to experience the festive atmosphere. Public transport services are being enhanced, with additional trains and buses scheduled to accommodate the influx of participants and spectators.
Safety measures, medical support and hydration stations will be deployed along the entire course on both days, adhering to the high standards set by previous marathons. For participants, the two‑day structure offers flexibility. Runners who prefer a quieter start can opt for the Saturday race, while those who enjoy the traditional Sunday marathon vibe can aim for the 25 April slot. The mass‑participation events will also feature a variety of sub‑categories, including charity runs, corporate challenges and community relay teams, encouraging a broad spectrum of involvement.
In summary, the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon will break new ground both in format and fundraising ambition. A simple game of rock, paper, scissors between two legendary athletes has set the stage for a weekend that promises elite athletic excellence, massive public participation, and an unprecedented charitable impact.
As the countdown to April begins, runners, fans and donors alike can look forward to a historic celebration of endurance, community spirit and generosity.