Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as one of the greatest marathoners of all time, is set to return to the London Marathon in 2025 after a five-year hiatus. His last appearance in the iconic race came in 2020, a year marred by an underwhelming performance due to an ear infection, which saw him finish eighth. This absence has added an extra layer of anticipation for his return, especially considering his recent disappointing performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he was forced to drop out due to a back injury. Kipchoge’s London Marathon legacy, however, remains solid, with four victories in the prestigious race, and he is eager to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Kipchoge’s previous London Marathon wins showcase his remarkable consistency and resilience. His first victory in 2015 was a thrilling contest against compatriot Wilson Kipsang. The two battled fiercely in the final kilometers, with Kipchoge eventually prevailing by a mere five seconds in a time of 2:04:42. This victory was a testament to Kipchoge’s tactical acumen and finishing strength, as he surged ahead in the final stages, leaving Kipsang behind. The following year, Kipchoge secured back-to-back wins with a time of 2:03:05, just missing the world record of 2:02:57 set by Dennis Kimetto in Berlin in 2014. Kipchoge’s dominance continued in 2018 when he won the race in scorching temperatures, crossing the finish line in 2:04:17, a time that still stands as a course record for the hottest race day in London Marathon history.
In 2019, Kipchoge further solidified his legacy by breaking his own course record, completing the race in 2:02:37. This victory marked another milestone in Kipchoge’s illustrious career, and many believed that he was on the cusp of further records and achievements. However, his 2020 appearance in the London Marathon was marred by an unexpected setback. An ear infection hindered his performance, and he finished a distant eighth, a result that was uncharacteristic of the marathon legend. This disappointment was compounded by his underwhelming performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Kipchoge became the first Olympic marathoner to record a “Did Not Finish” (DNF). Despite pushing through pain in his back, he was forced to step off the course at the 31km mark, ending a streak of successful marathon finishes.
Now, as Kipchoge returns to the London Marathon, there is much at stake. The 40-year-old marathoner is facing stiff competition from a field that includes the defending champion, Alexander Mutiso, and the rising star, Sebastian Sawe, who ran an impressive 2:02:05 in his marathon debut in Valencia. Kipchoge will also have to contend with the Olympic marathon champion Tamirat Tola, who has proven himself to be a formidable force in recent years. Despite these challenges, Kipchoge’s experience and mastery of the London course remain significant advantages. His four victories in the race, combined with his tactical prowess, make him a formidable contender, even as younger athletes continue to emerge.
There is also the looming question of whether the 2025 London Marathon will be Kipchoge’s final appearance in the event. Speculation about his retirement has been circulating, and the possibility that this could be his last marathon adds an emotional weight to the race. Kipchoge has previously expressed his desire to remain at the top of the marathon world, and his determination to prove that he is not finished will be a key factor in his mindset as he takes to the streets of London once again.
In many ways, the 2025 London Marathon represents a pivotal moment in Kipchoge’s career. A victory would solidify his legacy as the greatest marathoner of all time, while a poor performance could leave lingering doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. For Kipchoge, the pressure to prove himself is immense, but his unmatched experience and record of success make him a contender to watch closely. As he faces fierce competition and the weight of expectations, Kipchoge’s quest to redeem himself in London will be one of the most captivating stories of the 2025 marathon season.
