The 2025 London Marathon has been hit with a major shakeup as two of Kenya’s top runners, Ruth Chepngetich and Peres Jepchirchir, have withdrawn from the race. Chepngetich, the world record holder, and Jepchirchir, the defending champion, will not be competing, leaving the elite women’s field wide open.

Ruth Chepngetich’s Withdrawal

Chepngetich, who made history in 2024 by becoming the first woman to run a sub-2:10 marathon in Chicago, announced her decision to pull out of the London Marathon. The 30-year-old cited mental and physical unpreparedness as the primary reasons for her withdrawal.

"I'm not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London and I am therefore withdrawing," Chepngetich stated.

Despite her absence, Chepngetich expressed her desire to return to the London Marathon in 2026, signaling her commitment to the sport.

Peres Jepchirchir’s Injury

Jepchirchir, who set a course record of 2:16:16 in the 2024 London Marathon, will also miss this year’s race due to an ankle injury. The 31-year-old expressed her disappointment but remained optimistic about her future in the sport.

"Winning last year’s London Marathon was one of the highlights of my career. Unfortunately, my injury has made it impossible to defend my title this year, but I am focused on recovery and hope to return stronger," Jepchirchir said.

Vivian Cheruiyot Steps In

In the absence of these two stars, organizers have turned to Vivian Cheruiyot, a seasoned marathoner and 2018 London Marathon winner. At 41, Cheruiyot brings a wealth of experience to the elite field, having competed in the London Marathon three times previously.

Elite Women’s Start List

With Chepngetich and Jepchirchir out, the spotlight now shifts to other top contenders in the elite women’s field, including:

• Tigst Assefa (Ethiopia)
• Sifan Hassan (Netherlands)
• Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya)
• Megertu Alemu (Ethiopia)
• Stella Chesang (Uganda)

This year’s London Marathon promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event, with new opportunities for rising stars to make their mark.