London Marathon 2027: Double, Hotels & Race Guide
TCS London Marathon · London
The TCS London Marathon 2027 will be unlike any London Marathon before it.
For one year only, the race becomes the Double TCS London Marathon, taking place across Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2027.
A total of 100,000 runners will race the same iconic 26.2-mile route from Greenwich to Westminster across the two days.
The scale is extraordinary:
- 45,000 runners on Saturday
- 55,000 runners on Sunday
- 1,338,544 ballot applications
- one course
- two race days
- one of the six original Abbott World Marathon Majors
If you secured a place, the day you were assigned matters for almost every part of the trip: hotel nights, Expo timing, sightseeing, pre-race dinner and post-race recovery.
This guide covers:
- how the 2027 London Marathon Double works
- Saturday vs. Sunday differences
- the London Marathon ballot
- remaining entry options
- where the race starts and finishes
- where to stay
- the Running Show and Event Pack collection
- course logistics
- cutoff times
- race-morning transportation
- spectator planning
- how London counts toward the Six Star Medal
London Marathon 2027 quick facts
| Detail | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Event | Double TCS London Marathon |
| Saturday race | April 24, 2027 |
| Sunday race | April 25, 2027 |
| Total field | 100,000 |
| Saturday field | 45,000 |
| Sunday field | 55,000 |
| Distance | 26.2 miles / 42.195 km |
| Start | Greenwich / Blackheath |
| Finish | Westminster / The Mall |
| Ballot applications | 1,338,544 |
| Saturday finish closes | 5:30 p.m. |
| Sunday secondary finish closes | 11:59:59 p.m. |
| Running Show | ExCeL London |
| World Marathon Major | Yes |
The route will be the same on both days.
What is the 2027 Double London Marathon?
The Double is a one-off format for 2027.
Instead of holding the mass marathon only on Sunday, London Marathon Events is staging full marathons on both Saturday and Sunday.
Both days use the same route from Greenwich to Westminster.
Runners cannot participate in the in-person marathon on both days.
If you entered the public ballot, you were automatically included in the draw for both Saturday and Sunday and successful runners were assigned one of the two dates.
The expanded format is intended to accommodate extraordinary demand while giving charities and communities more opportunities to participate.
How many runners are in the London Marathon 2027?
The total field is 100,000 participants.
The organizer has announced the split as:
Saturday, April 24: 45,000 runners
Sunday, April 25: 55,000 runners
That makes hotel and transportation planning particularly important because central London will be supporting marathon activity across an entire weekend rather than a single race day.
How many people entered the London Marathon 2027 ballot?
A record 1,338,544 people entered the 2027 public ballot.
That included more than one million UK applications plus hundreds of thousands of international applicants.
The number broke London's previous application record.
Everyone who had already entered the ballot was included in the random draws for both days of the Double.
Ballot results were announced in July 2026.
Is the London Marathon 2027 ballot still open?
No.
The 2027 public ballot ran from:
April 24 through May 1, 2026
and has closed.
Successful ballot runners were required to confirm their entries by the organizer's confirmation deadline.
If you missed the ballot or were unsuccessful, there are still other potential entry routes.
Can you still enter the London Marathon 2027?
Potentially.
The main ballot is closed, but traditional London entry routes still include:
- charity
- Good For Age
- Championships
- British Athletics club entries
- international entry programs
- entries for participants with disabilities
The availability and requirements vary by category.
At the time of this update, London Marathon Events is actively listing charity places for the 2027 Double.
Both Saturday and Sunday charity opportunities exist.
London Marathon charity entry
Charity entry is one of the most important remaining routes for runners who did not receive a ballot place.
For the 2027 Double, charities have been allocated places across both days.
Each charity sets its own:
- application process
- fundraising commitment
- selection criteria
- runner support
If you are specifically interested in Saturday or Sunday, check which day a charity has entries for before applying.
A charity bib is not simply a normal race entry purchased at a higher price.
You are committing to raise money for that organization.
Which day will I run the London Marathon 2027?
Successful runners are assigned either:
Saturday, April 24
or
Sunday, April 25.
You cannot run the in-person marathon on both days.
The two races use the same course, but there are meaningful operational differences, particularly around time limits.
Build your trip around the date shown on your confirmed entry rather than assuming the London Marathon is still Sunday-only.
What time does the London Marathon 2027 start?
Final detailed start schedules have not yet been published.
London Marathon Events currently says the Saturday race is likely to start around 9:00 a.m. and the Sunday race is likely to start around 9:30 a.m.
Those times remain provisional.
Your exact wave, start area and arrival instructions will be provided closer to the event.
Do not build non-refundable transportation plans around an estimated start time this far in advance.
London Marathon 2027 cutoff times
The two days have different operating windows.
Saturday cutoff
The finish line on The Mall closes at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 24.
Based on the currently anticipated start schedule, organizers say the maximum available completion time will be approximately 7 hours 45 minutes.
If you have a Saturday entry and expect to need longer, review the organizer's current Double guidance carefully.
Sunday cutoff
Sunday has a much longer operating window.
A secondary finish line in Green Park is scheduled to remain open until:
11:59:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 25.
Organizers say runners falling behind approximately eight-hour pace may receive occasional manual bib scans as timing equipment begins to be removed.
This is one of the biggest practical differences between Saturday and Sunday.
Where does the London Marathon start?
The race begins in the Greenwich and Blackheath area of southeast London.
London traditionally uses multiple color-coded start areas that merge during the opening miles.
Your final start information will be assigned by the organizer closer to race day.
The start is not the best place to base your entire London trip.
For most runners, choosing a hotel around the finish and strong public-transport connections makes more sense.
Where does the London Marathon finish?
The primary finish is on The Mall, with Buckingham Palace providing one of the most recognizable marathon finish settings in the world.
That is why central neighborhoods around:
- Westminster
- St. James's
- Victoria
- Mayfair
are so attractive for runners.
Walking a short distance back to your hotel after 26.2 miles is a major advantage.
Where to stay for the London Marathon
1. Westminster / St. James's - best for the finish
If budget is secondary to convenience, this is arguably the best location.
Advantages:
- extremely close to The Mall
- near Buckingham Palace
- easy post-race walk
- excellent Underground connections
- central sightseeing
- convenient spectator access
The main disadvantage is price.
Marathon weekend demand will be exceptionally high in 2027.
2. Victoria - best overall balance
Victoria is one of the strongest all-around areas for marathon runners.
Advantages:
- close to the finish
- major rail and Underground hub
- direct connections across London
- large hotel inventory
- restaurants and shops
- practical for both runners and spectators
For many travelers, Victoria offers a better price-to-logistics balance than staying directly beside The Mall.
3. Waterloo / South Bank - excellent transportation
Waterloo provides strong rail and Underground access while keeping you relatively close to Westminster.
Advantages:
- major transportation hub
- close to the Thames
- convenient for sightseeing
- strong connections toward southeast London
- easy access to central London after the finish
4. London Bridge - strong race-morning position
London Bridge can be useful for runners prioritizing transportation toward the Greenwich start area.
It is also on the marathon route and gives spectators a convenient base.
The trade-off is that you are farther from the finish than runners staying around Westminster.
5. Canary Wharf - modern and convenient
Canary Wharf sits on the eastern side of the marathon route and has excellent public transportation.
It can work particularly well for:
- spectators
- international travelers
- runners who want modern hotels
- runners prioritizing easier access to ExCeL London
You will have a longer trip back after finishing on The Mall.
London Marathon hotel strategy for the Double
2027 requires a slightly different booking strategy.
Because the event covers both Saturday and Sunday, even runners racing Saturday may want to stay through Sunday, while Sunday runners need Saturday night in London.
Before booking, confirm:
- your assigned race date
- cancellation flexibility
- access to the start
- walking distance from the finish
- distance to a Tube or rail station
- your Running Show plan
- checkout timing after your race
If possible, book refundable accommodation while detailed 2027 logistics are still being finalized.
Where to eat before the London Marathon
London gives you almost unlimited options.
The marathon rule remains simple:
familiar before, adventurous after.
Night before
Choose a meal that is:
- high in familiar carbohydrates
- easy to digest
- not unusually spicy or heavy
- close to your hotel
- booked ahead
Pasta, rice and familiar carbohydrate-heavy meals are easy to find throughout central London.
Remember that 2027 has two race nights:
Friday night matters for Saturday runners.
Saturday night matters for Sunday runners.
That will spread pre-race restaurant demand across the weekend.
Race morning
Do not assume your hotel breakfast will perfectly match your start schedule.
Buy the food you normally use before long races beforehand.
You may leave the hotel hours before actually crossing the start line.
After the race
After finishing, take advantage of London.
A long lunch, pub meal, Indian food, Sunday roast, Italian food or almost any cuisine is available somewhere in the city.
Reserve anything important because marathon weekend will create enormous demand.
London Marathon Running Show and Event Pack collection
Every runner needs an Event Pack before racing.
The Running Show takes place at ExCeL London in east London.
Your Event Pack contains the materials required to participate, including your bib and timing chip.
Organizer information currently lists the expanded 2027 Running Show across:
Tuesday, April 20 through Saturday, April 24, 2027.
Detailed participant-facing opening hours are still due to be confirmed.
That distinction matters for Saturday runners.
Do not assume you can collect your Event Pack on Saturday morning immediately before racing.
Follow the final participant instructions for your assigned day.
Can someone else collect my London Marathon Event Pack?
Unlike several other World Marathon Majors, London currently states that someone else can collect your Event Pack if you cannot attend personally, subject to the organizer's required process.
The exact authorization requirements will be included in the Participant Guide.
If you plan to use that option, follow the official process exactly rather than simply sending someone to ExCeL with your name.
Where is the London Marathon Running Show?
The Running Show is held at ExCeL London in the Royal Docks area of east London.
It is not near the finish on The Mall.
Plan for transportation time rather than treating packet collection like a quick stop beside your hotel.
The Elizabeth line and Docklands Light Railway make ExCeL accessible from central London.
When should international runners arrive?
For most international runners, arriving several days before your race is safer than arriving at the last possible moment.
You need time for:
- Event Pack collection
- jet lag adjustment
- checking your start route
- normal eating and sleeping
- any unexpected travel disruption
For a Saturday runner, arriving Thursday or earlier provides significantly more margin than flying into London Friday evening.
Sunday runners have slightly more flexibility but should still avoid building the trip around a last-minute arrival.
London Marathon course
Both days use the same 26.2-mile Greenwich-to-Westminster course.
Famous sections include:
- Greenwich
- Cutty Sark
- Tower Bridge
- Canary Wharf
- Tower Hill
- Victoria Embankment
- Westminster
- Buckingham Palace
- The Mall
The course is generally considered fast compared with hillier Majors such as New York or Boston.
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of the defining moments of the London Marathon.
Runners reach it around the halfway portion of the course.
Crowd support is enormous, and it is also one of the most recognizable spectator locations.
Do not confuse Tower Bridge, which the marathon crosses, with London Bridge, which is a different bridge farther west.
Canary Wharf
The course moves through Canary Wharf later in the race.
The dense buildings and multiple turns can make this section feel very different from the open crowd energy around Tower Bridge.
Stay patient and maintain effort rather than pace-chasing every turn.
The Embankment and Westminster
The late stages return runners toward central London along the Thames.
Eventually you pass Westminster and turn toward Buckingham Palace before reaching The Mall.
It is one of the most recognizable finishes in road racing.
Getting to the London Marathon start
Public transportation is the normal way to reach the start.
London has:
- Underground
- National Rail
- Elizabeth line
- Docklands Light Railway
- buses
The exact recommended station depends on your assigned start area.
Do not simply navigate to "Greenwich" on race morning.
Wait until you receive your official start color and participant instructions, then plan specifically for that entrance.
Does your London Marathon bib include free transport?
Recent London Marathon editions have provided participating runners with free travel on certain Transport for London services on race day.
Because 2027 is an unusual two-day event and final participant guidance is still being developed, confirm the exact 2027 transport benefit before relying on it.
London Marathon spectator strategy
London is excellent for spectators because much of the course is accessible by rail or Underground.
Popular viewing areas include:
- Cutty Sark
- Tower Bridge
- Canary Wharf
- Tower Hill
- Victoria Embankment
Trying to see a runner at too many places can backfire.
A better plan is often:
one early location + one late location + predetermined post-race meeting point.
Where should spectators meet runners after London?
Do not make "the finish line" your only plan.
The finish area is heavily controlled and crowded.
Choose a specific meeting location before the race.
Your hotel is often the simplest option if it is close enough to The Mall.
Cellular networks can become congested around major events, so have a plan that still works if messages are delayed.
Is London a World Marathon Major?
Yes.
London is one of the original six Abbott World Marathon Majors required for the Six Star Medal.
The original six are:
- Tokyo
- Boston
- London
- Berlin
- Chicago
- New York City
Both 2027 race days are official editions of the TCS London Marathon.
For the broader series, see our World Marathon Majors medal guide.
Is London Marathon 2027 still one Major?
Yes.
The Double does not create a new World Marathon Major.
It is one London Marathon staged across two days to accommodate a much larger field.
You can run the in-person event on only one of the two days.
What to do before the London Marathon
London makes it very easy to walk far more than intended.
Save the biggest sightseeing days for after your race.
West End show
A theatre performance is nearly perfect pre-marathon sightseeing because you spend most of it sitting.
National Gallery
Located near the finish area and easy to combine with a short central-London outing.
St. James's Park
A short walk provides iconic London scenery without committing to hours on your feet.
Thames cruise
A river cruise allows you to see a large portion of London while seated.
What to do after the London Marathon
Recovery-friendly options include:
- Thames river cruise
- museum visit
- afternoon tea
- long pub lunch
- West End show
- sightseeing by bus
The goal is to experience London without accidentally walking another half marathon the day after the race.
How long should you stay in London?
For a Sunday runner, a simple schedule might be:
Wednesday or Thursday: arrive
Thursday or Friday: Running Show
Friday: light sightseeing
Saturday: short shakeout and race preparation
Sunday: marathon
Monday: recovery sightseeing
Tuesday: additional London sightseeing or departure
For Saturday runners, shift the race preparation forward by one day.
Because 2027 is the Double, always build the schedule around your actual assigned date.
London Marathon 2027 FAQ
When is the London Marathon 2027?
The 2027 TCS London Marathon takes place across Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25, 2027.
Why is the London Marathon two days in 2027?
London Marathon Events created a one-off Double format to accommodate unprecedented demand and expand participation.
How many runners are in the London Marathon 2027?
100,000 runners are expected across both days.
How many runners race Saturday?
Approximately 45,000.
How many runners race Sunday?
Approximately 55,000.
How many people entered the 2027 London Marathon ballot?
A record 1,338,544 people entered.
Is the London Marathon 2027 ballot still open?
No.
The ballot closed on May 1, 2026 and results have already been released.
Can I still enter London Marathon 2027?
Some alternative entry routes remain, particularly charity places.
Availability changes, so check the official event site.
Can I choose Saturday or Sunday?
Ballot entrants were entered into both draws and successful runners were allocated a day.
You cannot race the in-person marathon on both days.
Is the course different Saturday and Sunday?
No.
The organizer says both days will use the same course.
Where does the London Marathon start?
The race starts in the Greenwich / Blackheath area.
Where does the London Marathon finish?
The primary finish is on The Mall near Buckingham Palace.
What is the Saturday London Marathon cutoff?
The Mall finish line closes at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
Organizers currently describe a maximum completion window of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
What is the Sunday cutoff?
A secondary finish line in Green Park remains scheduled to operate until 11:59:59 p.m. Sunday.
Where is the London Marathon Expo?
The TCS London Marathon Running Show is held at ExCeL London.
When is the 2027 London Marathon Running Show?
Current organizer information lists April 20-24, 2027, with detailed opening hours to be confirmed.
Can somebody else collect my London Marathon Event Pack?
London currently allows another person to collect it subject to the official authorization process.
Where should I stay for London Marathon?
For most runners:
- Westminster / St. James's is best for finish proximity.
- Victoria is the best overall logistics choice.
- Waterloo / South Bank offers excellent transport.
- London Bridge can make start-side transportation easier.
- Canary Wharf works well for the Running Show and eastern course access.
Does London count toward Six Star?
Yes.
London is one of the original six World Marathon Majors required for the Abbott Six Star Medal.
Continue planning your World Marathon Majors
Continue with:
- World Marathon Majors medal guide
- Tokyo Marathon travel guide
- Chicago Marathon travel guide
- NYC Marathon travel guide
- Best marathons to travel for
- Race weekend checklist
Turn your London Marathon entry into a trip
The 2027 Double makes travel planning unusually important.
Claira can keep your assigned race day, hotel, flights, Running Show visit, start transportation, pre-race meal, spectator plans and post-race activities together in one itinerary.
Plan your London Marathon trip →
London Marathon dates, field sizes, start times, cutoff rules, Running Show arrangements, entry options, transportation benefits and other operational details can change. This guide was updated August 24, 2026. Always confirm current information with London Marathon Events before making travel plans. Claira is an independent travel-planning tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by London Marathon Events, Tata Consultancy Services or Abbott World Marathon Majors.