Ruth Chepng’etich is gearing up for the London Marathon by first competing in a shorter distance event on March 9. The reigning world marathon record holder has confirmed her participation in the Lisbon Half Marathon, where she aims to fine-tune her preparations and go for nothing less than a win.
Expressing her excitement about the upcoming race, Chepng’etich shared that she is eager to take on the challenge. The Kenyan long-distance star has proven to be a dominant force in road running, and while the Lisbon Half Marathon will not be new territory for her, her ultimate goal remains the London Marathon.
“I am thrilled to announce that I will be running the Lisbon Half Marathon on March 9. I can’t wait. See you soon, Lisbon!” she said.
The organizers of the event recognize the significance of having world-class athletes such as Chepng’etich in the competition. The President of the Maratona Clube de Portugal, Carlos Moia, highlighted that her presence would elevate the race and bring excitement to the event.
Chepng’etich began her 2025 season with a fourth-place finish at the Athletics Kenya Prisons Cross Country Championship. Heading into Lisbon, she hopes to sharpen her form and address any weaknesses before taking on a highly competitive field in London.
The London Marathon, scheduled for April 27, presents a major test for Chepng’etich. She has experienced both success and setbacks in this prestigious race. In 2020, she managed to secure a podium finish, but her 2024 appearance was a disappointment, as she placed ninth. That result ultimately cost her a spot on Kenya’s marathon team for the Paris Olympics.
However, she bounced back in spectacular fashion later that year, setting a new world record of 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon. That victory has given her the confidence to return to London with the hope of claiming victory.
The competition in London will be fierce, with several top contenders lining up against her. Among them is Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, who previously denied Chepng’etich a third consecutive title in Chicago in 2023. Hassan made a stunning marathon debut in London that year, winning the race and proving herself as a dominant force over the distance.
Defending champion Peres Jepchirchir will also be in the mix after setting a women-only world record in her victorious run last year. Additionally, former world record holder Tigst Assefa is set to compete, looking to redeem herself after facing recent challenges in major races. Like Chepng’etich, she enters the competition with a determined mindset, eager to reclaim her place among the world’s best.
Before facing this elite field, Chepng’etich is focusing on her upcoming challenge in Lisbon. The half marathon will provide a crucial opportunity to test her fitness and strategy as she builds towards the high-stakes showdown in London.
