The upcoming 2027 edition of the iconic TCS London Marathon will be unlike any previous race, as the schedule for the historic double‑marathon has been settled in a surprisingly playful way – through a best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors showdown between two of the event’s most celebrated former champions. Organisers confirmed that the marathon will unfold over two consecutive days, Saturday 24 April and Sunday 25 April, turning the traditional single‑day spectacle into a two‑day extravaganza that will accommodate a record‑breaking field of roughly 100,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes.
The decision‑making process began when the London Marathon’s planning committee realized that they still needed to allocate the elite categories – the men’s and women’s open races as well as the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions – to specific days. Rather than relying on a conventional meeting or a vote, they invited 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 still holds the women’s wheelchair record set in 2023, to settle the matter with a simple game of chance.
Both athletes expressed a strong preference for Sunday, the customary day for the marathon’s headline events, but the final allocation would be determined by who could out‑wit the other in the age‑old hand‑gesture contest. When the day arrived, Sawe and Debrunner faced off in a best‑of‑three series.
The first round saw Sawe throw rock, while Debrunner responded with paper, giving her the early advantage. The second round was a tie, with both choosing scissors, so the contest moved to a decisive third round. In that final showdown Debrunner again produced paper, beating Sawe’s rock and clinching the victory. As a result, the elite women’s marathon and the elite women’s wheelchair marathon have been scheduled for Sunday, 25 April, while the elite men’s race and the men’s wheelchair event will kick off the weekend on Saturday, 24 April.
London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher welcomed the unconventional method, describing it as "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 will not only give each elite competition its own dedicated stage but also allow the mass‑participation events – which this year will be fully inclusive of male, female and non‑binary entrants – to be spread across both days, easing crowd control and enhancing the overall experience for participants and spectators alike. The expanded weekend promises a host of logistical and charitable benefits. By stretching the marathon over two days, organisers anticipate smoother start‑line operations, reduced bottlenecks at key points along the 26.2‑mile route from Greenwich to Westminster, and more opportunities for live‑stream coverage, fan engagement and sponsor activation.
Moreover, the 2027 double‑marathon is projected to become the largest fundraising occasion in UK sporting history. Early estimates suggest that more than £150 million could be raised for a wide array of charitable causes, surpassing previous records and underscoring the event’s reputation as a platform for philanthropy as well as athletic achievement.
Beyond the headline schedule, the two‑day format introduces several novel features for participants. Runners will have the option to register for either Saturday or Sunday, with the mass‑participation fields balanced to ensure that each day offers a vibrant mix of elite inspiration and community spirit.
Wheelchair athletes, who have become an integral part of the marathon’s identity, will also benefit from dedicated race windows, allowing spectators and media to focus on the remarkable feats of speed, endurance and technique displayed by competitors such as Debrunner and her male counterpart, who will race on Saturday. The decision to use a rock‑paper‑scissors duel may seem whimsical, but it reflects a broader trend within major sporting events to inject personality and narrative into the planning process. By involving two of the marathon’s most beloved champions in a light‑hearted contest, the London Marathon has generated additional media buzz, social‑media chatter and fan interest well before the first runner even laces up.
It also humanises the elite athletes, showing them in a relaxed, playful setting that contrasts with the intense preparation required for a world‑class marathon. Looking ahead, participants, volunteers and spectators are encouraged to plan their travel and accommodation early, as the dual‑day schedule is expected to attract unprecedented numbers of domestic and international visitors.
The city of London will likely see a surge in hospitality demand, with hotels, restaurants and transport services gearing up for a bustling weekend that combines world‑class sport with the city’s iconic landmarks. In summary, the 2027 TCS London Marathon will be a landmark event marked by a historic two‑day format, a record‑setting field of 100,000 participants, and a charitable fundraising target exceeding £150 million.
The final race‑day assignments were settled through a best‑of‑three rock‑paper‑scissors match between Sabastian Sawe and Catherine Debrunner, resulting in the elite women’s and women’s wheelchair races taking place on Sunday, 25 April, and the elite men’s and men’s wheelchair races on Saturday, 24 April. As the marathon weekend approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of human endurance, community spirit and philanthropic impact.