Ruth Chepngetich and Peres Jepchirchir, two of the biggest names in marathon running, have withdrawn from the upcoming London Marathon, just weeks before the prestigious race. This announcement has come as a shock to the running community, given the high profile of these athletes.
Ruth Chepngetich, the world record holder for the women’s marathon, made the decision to pull out of the event after revealing that she is not in the right physical or mental condition to compete at her best. Chepngetich, who broke the women’s marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon in 2024, had aimed to improve on her own time of 2 hours 9 minutes 56 seconds in London. Her performance in Chicago made history as she became the first woman to run a marathon in under 2:10. However, in a statement, she admitted that she was not feeling prepared to race at the high level that she knows she is capable of. “I’m not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London and I am therefore withdrawing,” Chepngetich said. “I am very sad to miss the race and I hope to be back next year.”
Chepngetich’s withdrawal marks a significant loss for the event, as many had expected her to be one of the leading contenders for the title. Her incredible feat in Chicago not only made headlines for her world record but also solidified her as one of the top marathoners in the world. Fans had eagerly anticipated her return to London, where she hoped to showcase her ability to break further barriers in the sport.
On the other hand, Peres Jepchirchir, the defending champion of the London Marathon and a seasoned marathoner with an impressive list of accolades, also announced her withdrawal due to injury. Jepchirchir, who has three major marathon wins to her name, including the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, revealed that she was dealing with an ankle injury that had hindered her training. Despite her efforts to recover, Jepchirchir decided it was best to focus on healing properly before attempting to compete at the top level again. “I am focused on getting healthy again and hope to return to London again in the future when I’m fully fit,” she shared.
Jepchirchir’s absence is another blow to the marathon field, as she has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the women’s marathon circuit. Her victory in London in 2024, where she narrowly defeated her rivals, cemented her status as one of the best. Her withdrawal from the upcoming event leaves a gap in the competition, which will undoubtedly affect the dynamics of the race.
In light of these withdrawals, organizers of the London Marathon are making adjustments to the field. Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya, the 2018 London Marathon winner, has been added to the lineup as a late entry. Cheruiyot’s return to the race brings a sense of excitement, as she is a seasoned competitor with a wealth of experience. Known for her strategic running and ability to perform under pressure, Cheruiyot’s presence adds depth to an already stacked women’s field, ensuring that the competition will remain fierce despite the absence of Chepngetich and Jepchirchir.
The London Marathon, scheduled for April 27, 2025, is one of the most anticipated events on the marathon calendar. With a rich history and a reputation for attracting the best runners in the world, the race continues to be a highlight of the athletic year. While the absence of two of the sport’s biggest stars is unfortunate, the event will still feature an impressive array of talent, and the competition promises to be thrilling.
As Chepngetich and Jepchirchir focus on their recovery and future races, fans and athletes alike will eagerly await their return to the marathon scene in the years to come.
