The two-day London Marathon in April 2027 could cause significant disruption for businesses and residents along the route, according to a London Assembly Member. Lord Duvall, who represents Greenwich and Lewisham, has called for clearer information from organisers on how they plan to mitigate the impact of the expanded event, which will see 100,000 participants run from Greenwich to Westminster over a Saturday and Sunday.
Concerns Over Two Consecutive Days of Disruption
Residents and businesses in areas covered by the marathon are accustomed to adapting to closed roads and parking restrictions for a single day each year. However, Lord Duvall said that two consecutive days of disruption will have a significant impact on communities in Greenwich, Charlton, Woolwich and Deptford. He has specifically asked how elderly and less able residents who rely on daytime healthcare packages will be accommodated during the event.
“The London Marathon is one of the highlights of the year for South East London,” the Labour Assembly Member said. “It brings our communities together, gives local businesses a boost, showcases Blackheath, Greenwich, Deptford, Charlton and Woolwich to the world, and raises extraordinary amounts of money for charity. This expansion for 2027 is an exciting opportunity, but it is important that we get the details right. People need clear and early information about how they will be affected.”
Business Owners Seek Support and Clarity
For businesses in Charlton Village, the expansion could provide an opportunity for more trade from spectators watching the early part of the race. However, business owners suggested more needed to be done to turn the two-day race into an opportunity rather than a hindrance. Simi Ghent, owner of Simi's Italian Deli in Charlton Village, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that the marathon had a knock-on effect on trade during her first year of trading.
“People are not used to gathering in the village to support the runners, they're drawn to Charlton House, which is further up. The village goes down in trade, they're not drawn here to do their shopping and trade,” she said. “Our best day is a Saturday. To have a marathon on both a Saturday and Sunday will see us lose a lot of trade. We don't know how the local council will support us. It has the potential to work well for us, if we were to have the right support - but we don't have any clarity yet. I rarely get any information about it. We are lucky because we own a business close to where we live, so we can walk to work - but others don't, and won't be able to make it into the village.”
Mayor and Organisers Respond to Concerns
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has previously been supportive of the one-off expansion, saying it “will showcase the very best of our capital and will create the largest fundraising moment in UK sporting history, supporting the work of so many incredible charities.” In response to a written question about the impact on locals, the Mayor told Assembly Members in June that GLA officers “are engaging with London Marathon Events and borough partners to ensure that, if a two-day format is introduced, it is carefully planned and communicated.”
He added: “Mitigations include clear and early engagement with residents and businesses, coordinated road closure plans, and maintaining access for emergency services. The Marathon delivers significant benefits to London, including supporting charities, boosting local economies and promoting physical activity. I am keen to ensure these benefits are shared widely, including through community engagement, volunteering opportunities and local participation, so that Londoners continue to feel proud of and connected to this world-leading event.”
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said organisers were “working closely with boroughs along the route to minimise disruption for residents, businesses and local communities across both Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 April.” He added: “Through ongoing engagement with borough representatives and communities, we are identifying and understanding residents’ needs in advance, including access requirements for carers, medical appointments and other essential journeys, so that plans can be put in place to support those affected. We hugely appreciate the support of residents along the route who help to make the event such a success every year. The 2027 Double London Marathon is a unique, one-off celebration for our capital that we hope will generate more than £150 million for charities and good causes over the weekend, creating a lasting positive impact for communities across London and beyond.”
Council Promises Clear Information
A Greenwich Council spokesperson said they were working closely with London Marathon Events (LME) and the GLA to ensure appropriate mitigations are in place for residents and businesses. They added: “We will make sure LME provide residents and businesses with clear information about plans for both days. We expect road closures to open at the end of each day, as is the case with the traditional one-day marathon, to minimise disruption.”
“Thousands of people head to Royal Greenwich every year for the start of the TCS London Marathon, with the first six miles through Blackheath, Woolwich, Charlton and Greenwich town centre. Back-to-back marathons in 2027 will bring double the atmosphere and attract thousands more people to our borough and further boost the local economy. The marathon raises a huge amount of money for charity, and inspires residents to get active in our parks, open spaces and leisure centres.”
