London Marathon Organisers Propose A Two-day Event For 2027

Imagine this: you’ve spent months waking up at 6 a.m. for long runs in the drizzle, your playlist is a mix of pump-up jams and podcasts about baked beans, and you’ve got your name printed on your shirt so strangers can cheer for you. Now picture running the London Marathon, but instead of cramming into one massive, chaotic Sunday, you get to choose between a Saturday or a Sunday in 2027. That’s exactly what organisers are proposing, and it might just save your sanity—and your legs.

Let’s be honest: the current London Marathon is a glorious, sweaty beast. You’ve got 40,000 runners, a million spectators, and a traffic jam of lycra-clad bodies that makes the Tube at rush hour look peaceful. For the everyday runner—the one who works a 9-to-5 and carb-loads on pasta from a packet—that scale can feel more terrifying than triumphant. Spreading it over two days isn’t just smart; it’s like finally convincing your mate to split the Sunday roast instead of fighting over the last Yorkshire pudding.

Think about it this way: have you ever tried to get a good spot at a fireworks display, only to end up behind a tall bloke with a selfie stick? The marathon’s same vibe. On a two-day schedule, you’d get more breathing room—literally. Fewer elbows in your ribs at the starting line, more space to high-five a kid in a dinosaur costume, and a much better chance of spotting your auntie waving a "You’re Not Last, But You Look It" sign. That is a win.

The Case for a Splash of Sanity

Organisers say the two-day plan helps with road closures, emergency services, and the infamous “portaloo shortage.” But for you and me, it’s about accessibility. Ever tried to sign up for the London Marathon? It’s tougher than explaining TikTok to your Gran. With two days, more people could get a spot—like doubling the number of seats at a sold-out concert where you actually like the band.

Imagine your neighbour, Derek, who only runs to catch the bin lorry. He’s never attempted a marathon because he’s terrified of the sheer crowd. With a calmer Saturday alternative, he might finally lace up his trainers. And then you’d have to hear about his “personal best” over the garden fence for months, but hey—community spirit, right?

There’s also the weather factor. British weather is like a moody teenager—one day it’s sunny, the next it’s throwing a hailstorm. Two days doubles your chance of catching a crisp, autumn-like Sunday instead of a soggy mess. You could literally choose the less miserable day to run 26.2 miles, which feels like winning the lottery of life.

The Real Reason You Should Care (Even If You Don’t Run)

Now, I know some of you are thinking, “I don’t run unless a bear is chasing me.” That’s fine. But the London Marathon isn’t just for runners—it’s a massive street party. Think of it as a moving festival where people dress as rhinos, hand out Jaffa Cakes, and play bagpipes. Two days means double the street parties, more cake, and a longer weekend of watching strangers achieve something ridiculous.

For charity fundraisers, this is huge. Most runners raise cash for causes close to their heart—like Macmillan or the local dog shelter. A two-day event means they might raise more money because they’re less stressed and more likely to finish. That’s good for everyone, even if you just donated a fiver because a colleague sent you a sad photo of a puppy.

Let’s not forget the volunteers. The lovely people handing out water in the rain? They get a break too. Instead of standing out for twelve hours straight, they could pick a shift that lets them also watch the telly in peace. It’s like giving your postman two days to deliver your Amazon parcel—everyone’s a bit less frazzled.

The Little Annoyances That Make It Brilliant

Here’s a relatable truth: the worst part of any marathon is the queue for the starting toilet. It’s a philosophical experience—you question your life choices while hopping on one leg. With two days, those queues shrink. You might even get a cubicle with a door that locks. Civilisation.

And what about the finish line? Currently, it’s a sea of foil blankets and crying people who can’t find their families. Splitting the crowds makes the reunion sweeter. You could actually hear your mum yelling, “You did it, love!” over the applause, instead of mistaking a stranger’s hug for hers and living with the awkward shame for years.

Even the aftermath gets better. Walking like a penguin for three days is always going to happen, but with fewer runners on the course, the post-race pub might have a table free. You can sit, sip a lukewarm pint, and complain about your blisters without a queue for the loo. Pure luxury.

What’s the Catch? (Spoiler: It’s Just Logistical)

Of course, not everyone is thrilled. Some traditionalists say a marathon should be one day, like how your gran insists Christmas dinner must be at 1 p.m. sharp. But honestly, change is okay. The London Marathon already moved from a spring date to an autumn one in 2021, and the world didn’t end. The queen (God rest her) probably wouldn’t have minded two days of celebrating human endurance while wearing a sensible raincoat.

The organisers have to sort out funding, TV schedules, and how to stop people from running both days (please don’t, your knees will quit). But if they pull it off, 2027 could be the year the marathon becomes yours—whether you run, cheer, or just enjoy a quieter Sunday with fewer road closures. It’s about making a massive, beautiful, sweaty event feel a little more human.

So, start practicing your race-face now. Stock up on energy gels, buy some funny socks, and maybe—just maybe—the 2027 London Marathon will be the one where you don’t feel like a sardine in a running vest. And if nothing else, you’ll have a much easier time finding a portaloo.