A unique twist determined the schedule for the 2027 London Marathon, as elite racers Sabastian Sawe and Catherine Debrunner engaged in a game of rock, paper, scissors to decide the race days. Both champions of the 2026 London Marathon in their respective categories, Sawe faced Debrunner, the women's wheelchair world record holder, in this unconventional contest.

As a result of the game, the elite men's and men's wheelchair races will occur on Saturday, 24 April, while the women's events will take place the following day, Sunday, 25 April. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, commented on the entertaining decision-making process, stating, "Sabastian and Catherine's rock, paper, scissors battle was an entertaining way to decide which day would host each elite race."

This year marks a significant change, as the London Marathon will be held over two days for the first time, allowing for a broader participation base. With a record 1.33 million entries for the ballot, the event anticipates 100,000 participants in 2027, projecting over £150 million to be raised for charitable causes.

Notably, the women's championship categories will line up behind the women's elite field for the first time, with Brasher emphasizing the celebration of women's marathon racing:

Our outstanding elite women's wheelchair field will begin the action just ahead of them.