Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and Stella Chesang will debut in marathons at the 2025 TCS London Marathon on April 27.
Both athletes, known for their dominance in track and road racing, are stepping onto one of the world’s most prestigious marathon stages, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to see its runners excel against elite competition.
2018 Commonwealth Games 10,000m gold medalist Stella Chesang, has been steadily transitioning from the track to road racing, proving her endurance and tactical prowess. With a marathon personal best of 2:18:26, she enters the London Marathon as a strong contender in a field that has seen last-minute changes.
The withdrawal of top-tier athletes like Ruth Chepngetich and Peres Jepchirchir has opened the door for Chesang to challenge for a podium finish.
Her competition includes some of the most formidable names in women’s distance running, such as Tigst Assefa, the current women’s marathon world record holder, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, and former London Marathon winner Vivian Cheruiyot.
All eyes will be on Jacob Kiplimo as he takes on his first-ever marathon. The 23-year-old has already made history in the half-marathon, setting a world record of 57:31 before smashing it again with a jaw-dropping 56:42 at the 2024 Barcelona Half Marathon.
Many anticipate his marathon debut, wondering if he can challenge Kiptum’s 2:00:35 record or break the two-hour barrier.
Elite runners like Mutiso, Tola, and Sawe who clocked 2:02:05 in Valencia, dominate the men’s field.
The absence of Kenenisa Bekele due to injury removes one major rival, but the likes of Olympic medalist Eliud Kipchoge will ensure a fiercely competitive race.
Uganda excels in middle and long-distance running, with stars like Cheptegei and Kiprotich winning globally. The debut of Kiplimo and Chesang in the marathon signals a new era for the nation’s distance running ambitions.