London Marathon to Consider Male Pacers for Elite Women in 2027 — image accompanying Canadian Running's report. Image accompanying Canadian Running’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher discusses potential changes for the 2027 race, including male pacers for elite women. This follows Tigst Assefa's near-miss at the Berlin Marathon.
The 2027 race will span two days, with separate races for elite men and women. Previously, elite women started 30 minutes before men. The decision could spark debate over mixed-gender records. Read more racing coverage.
Assefa holds the women-only marathon world record but fell short of the mixed-gender record in Berlin. Male pacers could help female elites challenge the current mixed-gender record. Related: London Marathon mulls mixed-gender elite race in 2027.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Canadian Running. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
Reader questions
Questions about this report
What should runners know about London Marathon to Consider Male Pacers for Elite Women in 2027?
Organizers may reintroduce male pacers to help elite women set a new world record. London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher discusses potential changes for the 2027 race, including male pacers for elite women. This follows Tigst Assefa's near-miss at the Berlin Marathon.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 29, 2026. The underlying Canadian Running report was dated October 29, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Canadian Running. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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