World record holder Ruth Chepngetich and reigning champion Peres Jepchirchir, have both withdrawn from the 2025 TCS London Marathon. Elite women runners will compete in the race on Sunday, April 27.
Ruth Chepngetich, who made history in 2024 by becoming the first woman to break the 2:10 marathon barrier with her 2:09:56 world record at the Chicago Marathon, announced her withdrawal on Friday, April 18. Chepngetich expressed deep disappointment but emphasized the need to prioritize her well-being.
“I’m not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London, and I am therefore withdrawing,” she said. “I am very sad to miss the race, and I hope to be back next year.”
Meanwhile, an ankle injury has forced the 2024 London Marathon champion, Peres Jepchirchir, out. Her absence deals a major setback, as everyone expected her to defend her title after last year’s stunning 2:16:16 record.
“One of the highlights of my career was winning last year’s TCS London Marathon,” Jepchirchir said.
“Unfortunately, my injury has made it impossible to return this year, but I am focused on recovery and hope to compete in London again in the future.”
2018 London Marathon champion and Olympic 5,000m gold medalist Vivian Cheruiyot, will race in the elite women’s field. This is her first London appearance since 2020, when extreme weather caused a rare DNF in a pandemic-era race.
Cheruiyot, has an impressive marathon resume, including a London victory in 2018 and a runner-up finish in 2019. She most recently showcased her enduring class with a third-place finish at the 2024 New York City Marathon.
CEO of London Marathon Events Hugh Brasher, expressed both sadness and excitement regarding these changes.
“It is a great shame that Ruth and Peres, two of the greatest women marathon runners in history, will not be at this year’s TCS London Marathon,” Brasher said.
“We wish them both well and hope to welcome them back next year. Meanwhile, we’re delighted that Vivian Cheruiyot, our 2018 champion, will be joining the elite field.”
2025 TCS London Marathon elite women’s start list
Tigst ASSEFA (ETH, 2:11:53)
Sifan HASSAN (NED, 2:13:44)
Joyciline JEPKOSGEI (KEN, 2:16:24)
Megertu ALEMU (ETH, 2:16:34)
Stella CHESANG (UGA, 2:18:26)
Vivian CHERUIYOT (KEN, 2:18:31)
Haven Hailu DESSE (ETH, 2:19:29)
Susanna SULLIVAN (USA, 2:21:56)
Charlotte PURDUE (GBR, 2:22:17)
Sofiia YAREMCHUK (ITA, 2:23:16)
Rose HARVEY (GBR, 2:23:21)
Phily BOWDEN (GBR, 2:25:47)
Molly BOOKMYER (USA, 2:28:52)
Eilish MCCOLGAN (GBR, Debut)
Holly ARCHER (GBR, Debut)
