The schedule for next year’s two-day London Marathon was decided by a game of rock-paper-scissors involving the marathon world record holder and 2026 men’s champion Sebastian Sawe, organisers said on Wednesday.
Kenyan Sawe, who became the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a record-eligible race as he finished the 2026 London race in one hour, 59 minutes and 30 seconds, lost out to fellow champion and women’s wheelchair record-holder Catherine Debrunner.
That ensured the traditional Sunday was reserved for the women’s elite and wheelchair races. The men’s races will be held the day before, on April 24.
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“Sebastian and Catherine’s rock-paper-scissors battle was an entertaining way to decide which day would host each elite race,” the event’s CEO Hugh Brasher said.
The London Marathon, which is traditionally a one-day event, will be held across two days in a special one-off edition in 2027.
“Splitting the elite races will allow us to shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part,” Brasher added.
A record 1.33 million people have entered the public ballot for the race.
Published on Sep 30, 2026
