'Rock, paper, scissors' decides order of London Marathon races
A game of rock, paper, scissors is used to determine when the elite female and male races will take place at next year's two-day London Marathon. 'Absolutely incredible!' - Sawe breaks sub 2-hour marathon world record in London 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. 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. 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.
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. "Splitting the elite races will allow us to shine an even brighter spotlight on the extraordinary athletes taking part." 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 of the event. The decision was made to enable more people to take part, after a record 1.33 million people entered the ballot for next year. In 2027 a record-breaking 100,000 participants will take part and it is estimated that more than ยฃ150m will be raised for charitable causes.
The women's championship categories will line-up behind the women's elite field for the first time in the London race. "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. The main events on both days will be a mixed field of male, female and non-binary participants.
โก Effects Interpreter
๐World Economy
- โถConfidence among international firms could wobble until the picture clears.
- โถCurrency traders elsewhere may start pricing in the fallout within hours.
๐๏ธLocal Economy
- โถSmall businesses near the ground typically plan their week around match days.
- โถCorner shops near the stadium rarely complain about match-day footfall.
๐ฆRates & Banks
- โถA change in the cost of money, if it comes, will likely arrive subtly.
- โถBanks generally prefer a wait-and-see approach before touching their rates.
โค๏ธHealth
- โถFans' hearts race with the drama โ in a mostly good way.
- โถA shared sporting moment can genuinely lift a whole community's mood.
๐ทWealth
- โถYour financial adviser, if you have one, might already be watching this.
- โถFinancial plans built on solid ground rarely need urgent revisiting here.
๐ Housing
- โถEstate agents typically say the market takes weeks to catch up with news.
- โถFirst-time buyers watching the market closely might see little change in the short term.