In an unprecedented twist to marathon history, the elite race schedule for the historic 2027 “Double” TCS London Marathon has been decided not in a boardroom, but by a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors between two of distance running’s biggest stars.
Reigning champions and world record holders Sabastian Sawe and Catherine Debrunner faced off in front of an official adjudicator to set a new Guinness World Record for the first elite marathon race start decided by the classic hand game. With Debrunner emerging victorious, the schedule for the historic two-day event in April 2027 is now locked in.
A Weekend Split: Men on Saturday, Women on Sunday
clean-split, two-day weekend will officially kick off on Saturday, April 24, 2027, featuring the Elite Men’s and Men’s Wheelchair races, alongside the male Championship and Good for Age competitions.
The second day, Sunday, April 25, 2027, will belong to the women. Opening the day’s action will be the Elite Women’s and Women’s Wheelchair fields, with female Championship and Good for Age runners following directly behind.
Mass participation races on both days will feature a mixed field of male, female, and non-binary runners.
Spotlight on Female Distance Running
By giving the elite women their own dedicated day to open Sunday’s racing, organizers aim to elevate female athletes in a way never before seen at the London Marathon. For the first time in the event’s history, female Championship runners will line up directly behind the elite women’s field.
“Splitting the elite races will allow us to shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part,” said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events. “I’m particularly looking forward to the elite women’s start on Sunday, when, for the first time in London, female athletes in the Championship categories will line up behind the women’s elite field… creating a true celebration of women’s marathon racing.”
A World-First £150M Fundraising Weekend
The 2027 “Double” is designed as a special, one-off two-day festival of sport, community, and charity. By doubling the event across Saturday and Sunday, London will welcome a record 100,000 participants along its iconic route from Greenwich to Westminster.
The expanded format is projected to create the largest single fundraising moment in UK sporting history, expected to generate more than £150 million ($200 million) for charitable causes. The National Autistic Society has been named the Official Charity of the Year for the 2027 event.
Key Details for Runners & Entries
- Championship & Good for Age Entries: Open on Thursday, October 1. Interested runners can find full entry criteria and details at tcslondonmarathon.co.uk.
- Mass Fields: Both days will accommodate mass runners across all categories, creating two full days of festive marathon crowds across London.
