London [UK], October 1: 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 Sabastian Sawe, organisers said.
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 .
"Sabastian 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.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Cooperation