London Marathon 2027: Complete Guide to Running One of the World’s Greatest Races

The TCS London Marathon is more than just a race – it’s a bucket-list experience that combines world-class organization, incredible atmosphere, and a tour through one of the world’s most iconic cities. And 2027 will be unlike any edition before it: for one year only, the London Marathon becomes a two-day Double, held across Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2027, with a world-record 100,000 runners taking part.

Whether you’ve secured your spot through the ballot, a charity place, or are planning ahead for future years, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2027 Double TCS London Marathon.

The 2027 Double: A World First

After a record 59,000 runners took part in 2026 and 1.3 million people applied for the 2027 ballot, London Marathon Events made a historic decision: stage the 2027 race across two days.

Here’s how it works:

• Saturday, April 24, 2027: 45,000 runners
• Sunday, April 25, 2027: 55,000 runners
• Total: 100,000 participants — the biggest marathon field in history
• Same course both days: Greenwich to Westminster
• One day only: You run on your allocated day — you cannot run both
• Separate events: Each day starts at 00:00:00 and finishes at 23:59:59, with its own results

Everyone who entered the ballot was automatically included in a random draw for both days, significantly increasing their chances. Successful entrants found out in July 2026 not just that they were in, but which day they’d been allocated.

This is a one-off format for 2027 only. If you have a place, you’re part of something that has never happened before in marathon history.

Why the London Marathon is Special

As one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, the London Marathon stands alongside prestigious races like Boston, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, and Sydney. Founded in 1981 by Olympic athletes Chris Brasher and John Disley, the event has grown into the world’s largest annual one-day fundraising event, raising hundreds of millions of pounds for charity.

The course is renowned for being flat and fast, making it ideal for personal bests and world records. The atmosphere is electric, with hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the 26.2-mile route, creating an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

Key Race Information

Race Dates and Start Time

The 2027 Double TCS London Marathon takes place across Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2027. The mass start is expected to begin around 9:30 AM from the starting zones in the Greenwich and Blackheath area. Elite athletes typically start slightly earlier, with wheelchair racers going first. Detailed day-by-day schedules will be confirmed by organisers closer to the event.

Course Overview

The London Marathon course is famous for being one of the fastest marathon routes in the world. Starting from Greenwich Park and Blackheath, runners head through Greenwich, cross the iconic Tower Bridge around mile 12, loop through Canary Wharf, pass the Tower of London, run through Trafalgar Square, and finish on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

Total ascent is under 100m, with the only meaningful rise coming in the first 5km out of Blackheath. The speed is proven: in 2025, Tigst Assefa set a women-only world record of 2:15:50 here, and in 2026, Sabastian Sawe became the first man to break two hours in an official race on these streets.

Cut-Off Time

The official cut-off time is typically 19:00 (7:00 PM), giving runners approximately 9.5 hours to complete the course from the mass start. Only runners who finish before the cut-off time are eligible for an official medal and to appear in the results.

How to Enter the London Marathon

The Ballot System

The most common way to secure a place is through the public ballot. The 2027 ballot opened on Friday, April 24, 2026 and closed at 16:00 on Friday, May 1, 2026. A world-record 1,338,544 people entered — an 18% jump on the previous year’s 1.13 million, and the most in any marathon ballot ever.

With 100,000 places across the two days, the odds worked out to roughly 1 in 13 — considerably better than a single-day edition would have offered, which is precisely why the Double was created.

Ballot results were emailed on Thursday, July 9, 2026. UK residents pay an entry fee of £79.99, while international runners pay £225 (including carbon offset). A “double your chances” option at a reduced £49.99 UK fee automatically enters you into a second draw if unsuccessful in the first — meaning those entrants had four chances across the two days.

Important: The 2027 ballot will not be reopened. If you didn’t enter, explore the other entry routes below. The 2028 ballot is expected to open in late April 2027.

Good For Age Qualification

UK residents who have achieved qualifying times can apply through the Good For Age program. This fast-track entry offers around 6,000 places (3,000 men and 3,000 women) to runners who have met age-graded time standards.

For 2027, the qualifying window runs from October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026, with applications expected to open in October 2026 shortly after the window closes. Qualifying times must be run at an in-person event on a certified course (UKA, AIMS, or the relevant national governing body).

Sample 2027 standards: men aged 18-39 need sub-2:52:00, women sub-3:38:00. For 40-44, it’s sub-2:57:00 and sub-3:43:00 respectively. Standards continue through to the 90+ category. Check the official site for the full table.

Note that your GFA is based on the age you were when you ran the time, not on race day. Meeting the qualifying time doesn’t guarantee entry — places are allocated fastest-first within each age and gender category. Organisers advise also entering the ballot if your time is within 10 minutes of the standard. Under the two-day format, female GFA runners are expected to race on one day and male GFA runners on the other, with details to be confirmed.

Championship Entry

For even faster runners, Championship Entry offers a separate route with places capped at around 1,200 (600 men, 600 women). Selection is fastest-first if applications exceed the cap. If unsuccessful, UK residents may be offered a Good For Age place instead.

Charity Entries

Running for charity is an excellent way to secure guaranteed entry while supporting a meaningful cause. The London Marathon has over 1,000 official charity partners, with fundraising minimums typically starting around £2,200 and rising to £3,000+ for the highest-demand partners.

For 2027 only, charity places include the chance to run on the Saturday — a genuinely unique opportunity. The National Autistic Society is the event’s official Charity of the Year for 2027.

Charity packages often include personalized training plans, technical running gear, fundraising support, and race day assistance. Popular charities fill their places quickly, so apply early if you’re interested in this route.

Other Entry Routes

All the traditional ways to take part still apply in 2027:

• International tour operators: Non-UK residents can secure guaranteed entry through authorized operators, with packages typically including race entry, accommodation, and transport
• British Athletics clubs: Athletics clubs may be eligible for club-guaranteed entries, allocated based on first-claim membership numbers
• Participants with disabilities: Dedicated entry category with specific arrangements
• TCS London Marathon MyWay: Complete 26.2 miles however and wherever you wish — available on both Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April 2027

Preparing for Race Day

The TCS London Marathon Running Show

The race expo takes place at ExCeL London in the days before race weekend. All runners must collect their race number and timing chip from the expo – they are not mailed and cannot be collected on race day. With the two-day format, check your confirmation carefully for the collection window that applies to your allocated race day.

The expo features hundreds of exhibitors, training seminars, product demonstrations, and opportunities to meet running legends. Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours at the expo to collect your packet, browse vendors, and soak in the pre-race atmosphere.

Accommodation Strategy

London hotels fill quickly during marathon weekend — and with 100,000 runners plus supporters across two days, 2027 will be the most competitive accommodation weekend in the race’s history. Book as soon as you know your allocated day.

Consider staying near the finish line on The Mall for easy post-race access to your hotel, or near the ExCeL for convenient expo access. Transport links in London are excellent, but remember that some Tube lines and roads close on race days. Research your route from hotel to start line well in advance.

Travel and Logistics

Getting to the start line requires planning. The race provides designated meeting points and transportation from central London to the start areas in Greenwich and Blackheath. Arrive early to account for security checks, bag drop, and the walk to your designated starting zone.

Runners are assigned to start zones based on estimated finish times. Check your race number for your assigned zone and day, and familiarize yourself with the start area layout.

Training for London

When to Start Training

Most runners need 16-20 weeks of dedicated marathon training. For a late-April 2027 race, that means beginning structured training around December 2026 — with plenty of time beforehand to build a solid running base.

Weather Considerations

Late April in London typically offers excellent marathon conditions, with average temperatures between 45-60°F (7-15°C). However, British weather is unpredictable – be prepared for anything from sunshine to rain. Train in various weather conditions so nothing surprises you on race day.

Course-Specific Preparation

While the London course is remarkably flat, don’t neglect the rise in the first 5km out of Blackheath. Practice running on roads rather than just tracks or trails, as road running requires different muscle recruitment. If possible, incorporate some runs through urban environments to prepare for the hard surfaces and frequent turns.

Race Week Preparation

Carb Loading

Begin increasing carbohydrate intake 2-3 days before the race. This doesn’t mean overeating – instead, shift your diet so that approximately 70% of calories come from carbohydrates. Focus on easily digestible options like pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes.

If you’re running Saturday, remember your carb-load timeline shifts a day earlier than the traditional London schedule — plan accordingly.

Final Preparations

Lay out all race day gear in advance, including your race number with pins attached, timing chip, running clothes tested during training, nutrition supplies, and any anti-chafe products. Check the weather forecast and have backup clothing options ready.

Race Morning

Wake up 3-4 hours before your start time to eat a familiar breakfast. Stick with what you’ve tested during long training runs – race day is not the time for experiments. Common options include toast with peanut butter, oatmeal, or bagels with jam.

Arrive at your designated meeting point with plenty of time. The start area can be crowded and overwhelming, so factor in extra time for bathroom queues and getting to your starting corral.

Race Strategy

Pacing

The London Marathon atmosphere is intoxicating, and it’s easy to start too fast. Join a pace group matching your realistic goal time, or use the first few miles to settle into your planned pace. Remember that Tower Bridge at mile 12 is where many runners get swept up in excitement and push too hard.

Plan to run the first half conservatively. If you feel strong after mile 20, you can gradually increase pace. A negative split (running the second half faster than the first) is a smart strategy for marathon success.

Fueling Strategy

Aid stations appear regularly along the course, offering water and sports drinks. Practice your nutrition strategy during training, consuming 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour through gels, chews, or other products. Don’t wait until you feel hungry – maintain consistent fueling throughout the race.

Managing the Course

Break the race into segments: the opening miles through Greenwich, the approach to Tower Bridge, the Canary Wharf loop, the stretch along the Thames, and the final push to The Mall. Focus on executing each segment rather than thinking about the full 26.2 miles.

After the Race

Immediate Recovery

After crossing the finish line, keep walking for 10-15 minutes to prevent blood pooling in your legs. Collect your medal, finisher’s bag, and mylar blanket. Consume carbohydrates and protein within 30 minutes of finishing to kickstart recovery.

Results and Photos

Official results are typically posted within 24 hours on the London Marathon website. Note that each day of the Double is scored as its own event with separate results. Professional photographers capture runners throughout the course, and you can purchase race photos using your race number.

Once you’ve completed the London Marathon, record your result on RunningLog to track your achievement and start planning your next race. Whether you’re chasing a faster time at another World Marathon Major or exploring new races, tracking your marathon performances helps you see your progression as a runner.

Recovery Timeline

Take at least 2-4 weeks of easy running or complete rest after the marathon. Your body needs time to fully recover from the 26.2-mile effort. Resist the urge to jump back into intense training too quickly.

Beyond Your First London Marathon

Many runners fall in love with the London Marathon and make it an annual tradition. Others use it as a step toward completing all the World Marathon Majors. The experience of running through London’s streets with thousands of fellow runners and hundreds of thousands of supporters is truly unforgettable.

If you’re planning to run multiple marathons, RunningLog helps you track your race results across different events, compare your performances, and see your Six Star progress. Building a history of your marathon journey adds motivation and helps you identify patterns in your training and racing.

Tips from London Marathon Veterans

Embrace the Atmosphere

The London Marathon crowd support is legendary. High-five spectators, acknowledge the bands and DJs along the course, and soak in the experience. The energy from supporters can carry you through difficult miles.

Know the Landmarks

Familiarize yourself with key landmarks along the route. Spotting Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace creates memorable moments and helps break the race into manageable segments.

Prepare for Bottlenecks

With 45,000-55,000 runners on your day, expect some congestion, especially in the early miles and around narrow sections. Be patient and focus on your own race rather than weaving excessively through crowds.

Write Your Name on Your Shirt

London spectators are famous for personalizing their cheers. Having your name clearly visible on your shirt means you’ll hear personalized encouragement throughout the entire course, providing a massive psychological boost.

Making It a Complete Experience

The London Marathon is an excellent excuse to explore one of the world’s greatest cities. Consider extending your trip to visit London’s museums, theaters, restaurants, and historic sites. The marathon itself showcases many landmarks, but there’s far more to discover.

The two-day format creates an interesting opportunity: if you’re running Saturday, you can spectate on Sunday — and vice versa. Marathon weekend 2027 will effectively be a two-day festival, with London’s excellent public transport making it easy for supporters to see you at several locations during your race.

Your London Marathon Journey

Running the London Marathon represents a pinnacle achievement in any runner’s journey. From the moment you receive ballot confirmation to crossing the finish line on The Mall, every step is part of an incredible experience.

The combination of world-class organization, an inspiring atmosphere, a fast course, and the backdrop of London’s iconic landmarks makes this race truly special. And 2027 adds something no other edition can offer: a place in the largest, most historic marathon weekend ever staged.

Ready to make it count? When you cross that finish line on April 24 or 25, 2027, record your achievement on RunningLog — your goals, your time, your day. Your London Marathon medal will be just the beginning of your racing story.

The streets of London are waiting. Your marathon adventure starts now.