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A game of rock, paper, scissors was used to determine when the elite female and male races will take place during next year’s unique two-day London Marathon.<\/b><\/p>\n
After confirming they were playing for the right to race on the traditional Sunday, women’s wheelchair world record holder Catherine Debrunner beat men’s world record holder Sabastian Sawe – both 2026 London Marathon champions in their respective races – in the contest.<\/p>\n
As a result, the elite men and men’s wheelchair races are set for Saturday, 24 April, with the women’s races the following day.<\/p>\n
Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said: “Sabastian and Catherine’s rock, paper, scissors battle was an entertaining way to decide which day would host each elite race. <\/p>\n
“Splitting the elite races will allow us to shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part.”<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, organisers of the event confirmed the London Marathon will be held across two days in what is said to be a momentous one-off edition<\/a> of the event.<\/p>\n The decision was made to enable more people to take part, after a record 1.33 million people entered the ballot for next year.<\/p>\n In 2027 a record-breaking 100,000 participants will take part and it is estimated that more than \u00a3150m will be raised for charitable causes. <\/p>\n The women’s championship categories will line-up behind the women’s elite field for the first time in the London race. <\/p>\n “Our outstanding elite women’s wheelchair field will begin the action just ahead of them, creating a true celebration of women’s marathon racing,” Brasher added.<\/p>\n The main events on both days will be a mixed field of male, female and non-binary participants.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n