Rock-Paper-Scissors Decides Elite Race Schedule for 2027 London Marathon

In a light-hearted rock-paper-scissors contest, Sabastian Sawe was defeated by Catherine Debrunner, determining that the elite men’s and men’s wheelchair races will run on Saturday, 24 April, while the elite women’s races will take place on Sunday, the traditional marathon day. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, explained that separating the elite competitions will give each group a clearer spotlight.

Organisers revealed the marathon will span two days for the first time to handle a record 1.33 million ballot entries and to increase participation, with an expected 100 000 runners in 2027 and over £150 million pledged to charity. The women’s championship categories will now start just ahead of the elite women’s field, creating a dedicated celebration of women’s marathon racing. Both days will feature mixed-gender and non-binary participants alongside the elite races.