Top Kenyan stars pull out of London premier race less than two weeks before major event. A super talent has been added to elite field.
World record holder Ruth Chepngetich and reigning champion Peres Jepchirchir have withdrawn from the London Marathon, organizers announced Friday. The high-profile withdrawals come just days before the April 27 race that is expected to host more than 56,000 participants.
London Marathon 2025 Too Soon For Chepngetich
Chepngetich, who made history in Chicago last year by becoming the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier with her world record time of 2:09:56, cited mental and physical concerns in her decision to withdraw.
“I’m not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London and I am therefore withdrawing,” Chepngetich said in a statement released by race organizers. “I am very sad to miss the race and I hope to be back next year.”
Meanwhile, Jepchirchir, a three-time major marathon winner and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, is dealing with an ankle injury that has prevented proper preparation for the event.
“Winning last year’s TCS 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 stated.
“Unfortunately, my injury has made this impossible but I am focused on getting healthy again and hope to return to London again in the future when I’m fully fit.”
Vivian Cheruiyot Added To London Marathon 2025 Field
Race organizers have announced that Vivian Cheruiyot, who won the London Marathon in 2018, has been added to the field as a late replacement.
The Kenyan veteran brings experience to a women’s elite field that has now lost two of its biggest stars.
Cheruiyot, the 2016 Olympic Games 5,000m champion and four-time World Championships gold medallist, has run the London Marathon three times, winning in 2018 and finishing runner-up in 2019.
Cheruiyot has won a gold medal in the 5,000m at the 2016 Olympic Games and four World Championships titles. She has participated in the London Marathon on three occasions, claiming victory in 2018 and securing second place in 2019.