In a significant development leading up to the 2024 London Marathon, both world record holder Ruth Chepngetich and defending champion Peres Jepchirchir from Kenya have officially withdrawn from the highly anticipated race. This unexpected turn of events adds intrigue and disappointment to the marathon scene, especially as both athletes are renowned for their exceptional capabilities in long-distance running.
Ruth Chepngetich, aged 30, gained global fame last year when she became the first woman to finish a marathon in less than two hours and ten minutes, achieving this remarkable feat at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. However, she recently announced that she is not sufficiently prepared to compete in London this time around. Chepngetich expressed her sorrow in a public statement, noting she was “very sad to miss the race.” She emphasized her hopes to make a triumphant return for the London Marathon in 2026, stating, “I’m not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London and I am therefore withdrawing.”
Similarly, Peres Jepchirchir, who celebrated her championship last year in London by crossing the finish line with a record-breaking time of two hours, sixteen minutes, and sixteen seconds, will also be absent due to an ankle injury. At 31 years old, she highlighted the importance of last year’s victory and looked forward to defending her title this year. However, her current discomfort has made her withdrawal unavoidable. “Winning last year’s London Marathon was one of the highlights of my career, and I was very much looking forward to returning this year to defend my title,” Jepchirchir explained. She remains optimistic about her recovery, saying, “I am focused on getting healthy again and hope to return to London again in the future when I’m fully fit.”
The absence of these two prominent athletes has paved the way for another exceptional talent. The marathon organizers announced that Vivian Cheruiyot, a seasoned competitor aged 41, will take a place in the elite field. Cheruiyot is no stranger to the London Marathon, having run it three times previously and securing victory in the 2018 edition.
The upcoming London Marathon will still feature an impressive lineup of elite female athletes, featuring runners from various countries renowned for their prowess in the long-distance events. The elite women’s start list now includes Tigst Assefa from Ethiopia, Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands, and Joyciline Jepkosgei from Kenya, among others. This diverse group ensures a thrilling competition, even in the absence of Chepngetich and Jepchirchir.
Prepared to compete are athletes such as Megertu Alemu from Ethiopia and Stella Chesang from Uganda, alongside representatives from Great Britain, including Charlotte Purdue and Eilish McColgan. The global representation in the marathon showcases the growing popularity and competitiveness of the sport worldwide.
As race day approaches, all eyes will be on the elite field competing in the London Marathon, which continues to enhance its reputation as one of the premier distance running events globally. The excitement surrounding this marathon will undoubtedly persist, despite the recent withdrawals. The competitive spirit of the remaining athletes and the prospects of a thrilling race still loom large. Chepngetich and Jepchirchir’s absence is certainly a loss for this year’s event, yet it opens the door for other talented marathon runners to shine on April 18, 2025.
