Mixed marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya is the main attraction in the upcoming 2025 TCS London Marathon.
The defending champions, Peres Jepchirchir and Alexander Mutiso, will also be back in action as they aim to reclaim their Elite men’s and women’s championships.
On Tuesday, January 14, event organizers announced that the two will take part in the London Marathon on April 27, 2025.
Mutiso, 27, made his debut in the TCS London Marathon during his first major international track race, where he dominated with a 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 1 second triumph, defeating Ethiopia’s legendary distance runner Kenenisa Bekele in his first attempt.
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Mutiso’s most recent race was in the 10th edition of the Bangsaen21 Half Marathon, held on December 15, 2024, where he finished second behind reigning African 10,000m champion Nibret Melak, clocking 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 34 seconds—just two seconds behind Melak.
On the other hand, in last year’s edition, former Olympic champion Jepchirchir shattered the women-only world record by 45 seconds, winning in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds.
She finished ahead of current world record holder Tigst Assefa, 27, of Ethiopia, who placed second in 2:16:23, while Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, 30, was third.
Strong elite fields for 2024 London Marathon
As the two prepare to defend their championships, this year’s edition is expected to be tough, as they will be joined by reigning Olympic champions Sifan Hassan and Tamirat Tola. It will be the first time back at the TCS London Marathon for Hassan since she won in remarkable fashion in 2023 during her marathon debut.
Jepchirchir and Hassan will also be joined by the three-time Chicago Marathon winner and 2019 world champion Ruth Chepngetich.
The 30-year-old Chepngetich set a new world record and became the first woman to run under two hours and 10 minutes, with a winning time of 2:09:56 in Chicago. She will be aiming to reach new heights in London.
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Hassan excited ahead of the showdown
Hassan, who is the only woman in the history of athletics to win Olympic gold over 5,000m, 10,000m, and the marathon, is eager for the event.
“It feels so special to come back to the TCS London Marathon. This is where I ran my very first marathon and began my journey in this incredible distance. London is also where I learned to be patient, to trust myself, and to keep pushing even when it feels impossible. It is a place where I grew, not just as an athlete, but as a person.”
“The TCS London Marathon means so much—not only to me but to so many people. I see people taking part for charity, for loved ones, and even children running, many for the first time, at the TCS Mini London Marathon. This is what makes it so beautiful. I am excited to return, to race alongside the best athletes in the world, and to share the course with everyone who is chasing their own dreams.” she offered
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