The Japan Times - London Marathon Two-Day Plan Raises Questions Over 2027 Disruption

Next April's two-day London Marathon could wreak havoc for businesses and residents across the route, organisers have been told. For one year only, 100,000 participants will take part in the expanded event, which runs from Greenwich to Westminster. Those living and working inside areas covered by the marathon are used to having to adapt to closed roads and parking restrictions for a single day.

However, Lord Duvall, who represents Greenwich and Lewisham on the London Assembly, has now called for more clarity from organisers on any arrangements they are taking to minimise disruption. He stated two consecutive days of disruption will have a significant impact on communities in Greenwich, Charlton, Woolwich and Deptford, and has asked how elderly and less able residents who rely on healthcare packages being delivered in the daytime will be accommodated. “The London Marathon is one of the highlights of the year for South East London," the Labour Assembly Member stated.

"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.

"That is why I am asking the London Marathon organisers, via GLA officials, for clarity over what additional steps they will take to communicate with residents, protect access for essential journeys, support local businesses and keep transport disruption to a minimum." For businesses in Charlton Village, the expansion could provide an opportunity for more trade with spectators who come to watch the runners in 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): "This is our first year of trading so we've only had the marathon once - it did have a knock-on effect.

"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. "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." The Mayor of London has previously been very 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, stated 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". “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," he added.

“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.” A Greenwich Council spokesperson stated they were working closely with London Marathon Events (LME) and the GLA to make sure 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."

T.Sato--JT