The highly anticipated 2025 TCS London Marathon has suffered a major setback with the withdrawal of Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele, dashing hopes of a long-awaited clash with his rival, Eliud Kipchoge.
The marathon, scheduled for Sunday, April 27, had assembled one of the strongest elite fields in recent years, but injuries have begun to thin the lineup, with Bekele being the latest high-profile exit.
Bekele, who finished second in last year’s London Marathon, has been struggling with persistent injuries that disrupted his training. His withdrawal follows the earlier exits of defending women’s champion Peres Jepchirchir and world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich, further dampening the pre-race excitement.
In a statement to the London Marathon organizers, Bekele expressed his disappointment.
“I am very disappointed. I was very much looking forward to returning to the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, especially after how well I ran there last year.”
“But a series of small niggles have prevented me from getting in the training block I require to be at my best, and I have had to make the difficult decision to withdraw. I wish everyone who is running the very best of luck.”
Bekele, the third-fastest marathoner in history and a 17-time world champion across track and cross-country, has had a storied career. His London Marathon performances stand out, earning podium finishes in 2016 (third), 2017 (second), and another second place in 2024.
With Bekele out of the picture, Kipchoge’s biggest rival is now defending champion Alexander Mutiso. However, the Kenyan superstar will still face a formidable field, including Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, Sabastian Sawe, and debutant Jacob Kiplimo, who recently reclaimed his world half marathon record in Barcelona.
Bekele’s absence disappoints fans, but the marathon still promises excitement as Kipchoge chases another major win in his career.