The 2025 London Marathon has all the ingredients to deliver one of the most exciting races in recent memory. After a thrilling weekend in Boston, attention now shifts across the Atlantic to the streets of London, where a deep, high-stakes elite field is set to go off on Sunday, April 27.
Over 840,000 hopefuls applied to run this year, with 53,700 lucky enough to toe the line. The weather forecast looks nearly ideal for fast times: an early start temperature around 8 C (46 F) and a high of 19 C (66 F) later in the day. The women’s race begins at 9:05 a.m. local time (4:05 a.m. Eastern), followed by the men at 9:35 a.m. local (4:35 a.m. Eastern).
Fans can tune in via the BBC iPlayer in the U.K., FloTrack offering the live stream for American audiences.
the Men’s Elite Field
The men’s field, on paper, might not be the deepest of all time, but it features one massive storyline: the return of Eliud Kipchoge. The 40-year-old legend is seeking redemption after a turbulent 2024 season and carries quiet confidence into London, according to insiders like Dr. Andy Jones, who told us Kipchoge is “training at an extremely high level” and “wants to win.”
Yet Kipchoge won’t have an easy path. Defending champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao returns to protect his crown, fresh off a 59-minute half marathon win in Tokyo. Tamirat Tola, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, also enters in top form.
Then there’s Jacob Kiplimo. The Ugandan half marathon world record holder is making his much-anticipated marathon debut. With a 56:43 personal best over 13.1 miles, Kiplimo could either shake up the future of men’s marathoning—or discover, like many before him, that the full distance is an entirely different beast.
If the early pace targets 60 minutes for the opening half, don’t be surprised to see some serious fireworks.
the Women’s Elite Field
On the women’s side, even with last-minute scratches from Ruth Chepngetich and defending champion Peres Jepchirchir, the field remains electric. Tigst Assefa, the second-fastest woman in history with a 2:11:53 personal best, leads the way. She’s still seeking her first London victory after finishing runner-up last year.
Her primary competition? Sifan Hassan. The Olympic champion and reigning London Marathon winner is back after a quiet start to 2025, but her talent across distances from the 1,500m to the marathon is unparalleled. Hassan’s closing speed is lethal—as Tigst Assefa knows all too well from their showdown in Paris last summer.
Joyciline Jepkosgei, always a factor in big city marathons, brings 2:17 credentials and a recent sub-65 minute half marathon to the mix. Scotland’s Eilish McColgan also makes her marathon debut, hoping to channel home-soil energy into a strong showing.
There are big historical stakes at play. Paula Radcliffe’s course record of 2:15:25—once considered untouchable—suddenly looks vulnerable. Assefa and Hassan both have the weapons to attack it, provided the early pacing is aggressive and the conditions cooperate.
Meanwhile, on the men’s side, a sub-two-hour pace may flirt briefly with possibility if the early kilometers are spicy enough, but more realistically, the focus will be on the win—and whether Kipchoge can summon one final masterpiece.
who Wins? Our Picks:
Michael Doyle, Editor-in-Chief:
- Women’s Winner: Tigst Assefa — Finally claims a London crown, holding off a late surge from Sifan Hassan. Both Assefa and Hassan are expected to break Paula Radcliffe’s course record.
- Men’s Winner: Jacob Kiplimo — Betting on a brilliant marathon debut from the half marathon world record holder.
Alex Cyr, Senior Editor:
- Women’s Winner: Tigst Assefa — Picks Assefa to outlast Hassan in a battle that could see both break the course record.
- Men’s Winner: Alexander Mutiso Munyao — Believes the defending champion will defend his title with a smart, tactical race.
Katelyn Tocci, Managing Editor:
- Women’s Winner: Sifan Hassan — Chooses Hassan for the upset, trusting her racing instincts and closing speed.
- Men’s Winner: Eliud Kipchoge — Believes in one more legendary performance from the greatest marathoner of all time.
Jessy Carveth, News Editor:
- Women’s Winner: Sifan Hassan — I’m a big Hassan fan, so this was easy. It’s gonna be a replay of the Paris Olympics, where Hassan beats out Assefa in a nail-biting sprint for the line.
- Men’s Winner: Jacob Kiplimo — After a blowout half marathon earlier this year, Kiplimo is going to set fire to this course in his debut marathon.
