Ruth Chepng’etich has her sights set on breaking records at the London Marathon against elite rivals Hassan and Jepchirchir.
World marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich is set to headline the elite women’s race at the London Marathon on April 27, 2025.
Months after her groundbreaking run in Chicago, where she became the first woman to break the two-hour and ten-minute barrier, the Kenyan star is brimming with confidence and anticipation for what promises to be one of the most competitive races in history.
Chepng’etich’s awe-inspiring time of 2:09:56 in Chicago last year shattered the previous record set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in Berlin in 2023.
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Multiple Olympics and 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has opened up on what she does to lift her to victory before every major championship race.
However, the London Marathon will bring its own set of challenges, with a star-studded field that includes defending champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya and Olympic gold medallist Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands.
Jepchirchir, who holds the women’s-only marathon world record with a time of 2:16:16 set during last year’s London Marathon, is no stranger to the prestigious event.
In contrast to races like Chicago, where men and women compete together, London features a separate elite women’s race, giving athletes like Jepchirchir the perfect stage to showcase their abilities.
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The three-time world champion insists that Elaine Thompson-Herah and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce still have plenty more to offer the world.
Sifan Hassan, the three-time Olympic gold medallist, will also be a formidable opponent.
Hassan triumphed in her marathon debut in London in 2023, clocking an impressive 2:18:33.
Her versatility across distances and her unyielding determination make her a serious contender for the top spot.
With her reputation for thriving under pressure, Hassan’s presence adds an extra layer of intrigue to the event.
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On Tuesday, Kenyan athlete Faith Chepchirchir Kiprotich’s three-year doping ban raised questions about her rise and sudden fall.
Speaking ahead of the London Marathon, Chepng’etich expressed both her excitement and respect for the strength of the competition.
“London Marathon always brings together the best athletes in the world,” she said. “Myself, Peres, and the other women are strong, so it will be a competitive one.”
The Kenyan athlete’s words reflect the high stakes of the upcoming race. Chepng’etich believes that the caliber of athletes competing in London could create the perfect conditions for a new world record.
“I want to prepare as best as I can, and we will see if we can lower Peres’s world record of 2:16:16 from last year,” she stated.
“With the strength of the field, I think we can support each other, and maybe the world record will fall.”
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As the athletes look to kickstart their seasons, one question remains: is 2025 the year another sprinter finally gets a hold of Florence Griffith-Joyner’s long-standing world record?
Chepng’etich’s optimism is fueled by her experience in Chicago, where she achieved what many thought was impossible.
“I didn’t know (setting the world record in Chicago) was possible, but I came to realise that dreams can come true,” she remarked.
The marathon world turns its attention to London, and the anticipation is palpable.
The combination of Chepng’etich’s remarkable talent, Jepchirchir’s proven track record, and Hassan’s fearless determination sets the stage for an electrifying showdown.
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The possibility of another historic moment in women’s marathon running looms large, ensuring that this year’s London Marathon will be a race to remember.
