Why it matters:
Two of the biggest names in women’s marathon running—world record holder Ruth Chepngetich and defending London champion Peres Jepchirchir—have withdrawn from the 2025 London Marathon, significantly altering the dynamics of what was shaping up to be a historic race.
What’s happening:
London Marathon organizers confirmed Thursday that both Kenyan stars will miss the April 27 race due to health issues.
- Chepngetich, 30, the current marathon world record holder (2:09:56, set in Chicago in October 2024), has been sidelined by an unspecified injury. She last raced in March, finishing second at the Lisbon Half Marathon in 1:06:20—a time well off the 1:04:28 she split through halfway during her world record marathon in Chicago.
- Jepchirchir, 31, the defending London Marathon champion and current women’s-only marathon world record holder (2:16:16), reportedly withdrew due to illness. She was set to return to London to defend her title.
The bigger picture:
The absence of Chepngetich and Jepchirchir leaves the spotlight squarely on Tigist Assefa and Sifan Hassan—the second and third fastest marathoners in history, respectively. Hassan, who claimed gold in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, outkicked Assefa in a dramatic and contentious finish that involved physical contact in the final sprint to the line.
- The withdrawals also take away what could have been a rare head-to-head clash between three of the fastest women in marathon history.
- The 2025 race was expected to serve as a prelude to this summer’s World Championships in Tokyo, with all three athletes likely in contention for selection.
- For Chepngetich, London would have been a crucial opportunity to silence skeptics who questioned the legitimacy of her record-setting performance in Chicago—not because of the race itself or the competition, but due to the sheer magnitude of her performance leap. Some critics have raised suspicions of possible doping, though Chepngetich has never failed a drug test.
Between the lines:
Jepchirchir has struggled with consistency despite her recent London victory, missing several key races due to injuries or illness. Chepngetich, meanwhile, has raced sparingly in the past year and will now likely shift focus to securing her spot for the World Championships through other means.
What’s next:
Despite the withdrawals, the London Marathon still boasts a high-stakes women’s showdown. All eyes will now be on Assefa and Hassan, who are set for another chapter in their growing rivalry following their tense Olympic duel. The narrative has shifted, with pre-race intrigue centered on whether Assefa can respond to her Olympic defeat, and if Hassan can further cement her legacy on the roads.
