It’s happening.
Kenenisa Bekele, the Ethiopian distance-running legend, is lacing up for the 2025 TCS London Marathon on April 27. And as if that weren’t exciting enough, he’ll be toeing the line alongside his longtime rival (and arguably the marathon GOAT), Eliud Kipchoge.
If you’ve spent any time following the running world, you know that Bekele vs. Kipchoge isn’t just any matchup—it’s the matchup.
A saga that started on the track more than two decades ago, back when Bekele was basically untouchable over 5,000m and 10,000m, and Kipchoge was the scrappy underdog trying to make a name for himself.
Fast forward to the marathon era, and the tables have turned.
Kipchoge has dominated the roads, while Bekele—brilliant but unpredictable—has been chasing his own form of greatness.
So, what’s at stake in London? A lot. But first, let’s talk about how we got here.
A Rivalry 22 Years in the Making
Rewind to the 2003 World Championships in Paris.
A 18-year-old Kipchoge pulled off a shock win in the 5,000m final, outkicking both Bekele and the great Hicham El Guerrouj in what remains one of the most dramatic races in history.
But that was a rare defeat for Bekele, who would go on to dominate their track battles, winning 14 out of 17 head-to-head matchups. He was the king of the track, racking up world records, Olympic golds, and a ridiculous 17 World Championship titles between the track and cross-country.
Then came the marathon.
Kipchoge made the transition seamlessly, winning just about everything in sight, including two Olympic golds, 11 World Marathon Majors, and, of course, becoming the first human to (unofficially) break two hours for the distance.
Bekele? Well, let’s just say his marathon career has been a rollercoaster.
At times, he’s looked almost like the runner who once held the 5,000m and 10,000m world records. His 2:01:41 in Berlin 2019? Just two seconds shy of Kipchoge’s then-world record.
But there have also been injuries, inconsistent performances, and long stretches where it seemed like he was done.
And then, in 2024, at age 42, he shocked everyone by finishing second in London—running 2:04:15 and setting a new masters world record.
So, naturally, he’s back for more in 2025.
A History-Making Elite Field
As if Bekele and Kipchoge weren’t enough, this year’s London Marathon lineup is absolutely stacked.
We’ve got reigning London champ Alexander Mutiso, Olympic gold medalist Tamirat Tola, Sebastian Sawe (the fifth-fastest marathoner ever), and Jacob Kiplimo, who just torched the half marathon world record with a mind-blowing 56:41. And oh yeah, this will be Kiplimo’s marathon debut. No pressure.
While fans are excited to see what Kiplimo can do over 26.2 miles, Bekele vs. Kipchoge still merits its own headline.
Kipchoge has beaten Bekele in every marathon they’ve raced together—except for the 2024 Paris Olympic Marathon, where neither had the race they wanted.
Can Bekele finally flip the script in London?
Bekele said in a statement, “It is an honour to be returning to the TCS London Marathon and to be part of such an incredible line-up. The London Marathon is a special event which brings together the best marathon runners in the world and I just love being part of it.”
“Of course, it will be special to once again run against Eliud, we have enjoyed some fantastic moments racing one another over the past 22 years and I’m looking forward to that continuing at the TCS London Marathon.”
Translation: Let’s do this one more time.
Spencer Barden, Head of Elite Athletes at the TCS London Marathon, said, “Kenenisa Bekele has given athletics fans so many special moments over his long and hugely successful career and he came so close to creating another when he finished second at last year’s TCS London Marathon.”
“We are delighted he is returning to London and to be able to renew the rivalry with Eliud Kipchoge. They are arguably the two greatest male distance runners we have ever seen and it will be special to see them together on the Start Line again.”
What can we expect? Realistically?
Kipchoge is still Kipchoge. Even at 40, he’s got the consistency, the marathon IQ, and the ability to throw down an unbeatable pace.
Bekele, on the other hand, is a wildcard. At 42, he’s proven he can still run with the best, but can he actually take down Kipchoge? On April 27, we shall see.
