Jepchirchir, Obiri, Assefa, Hassan set for London blockbuster in April

World Marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir will be out to reclaim her London Marathon crown when she lines up in the British capital on April 26, spearheading a formidable Kenyan assault in what promises to be one of the most fiercely contested women’s races in recent memory.

This year’s London Marathon is shaping up to be a genuine nail-biter, with the world’s finest and fastest female distance runners descending on the streets of the capital in a mouthwatering clash of champions.

Race organisers have unveiled a glittering start list featuring a powerful Kenyan trio of Jepchirchir, Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei, alongside defending champion Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia and Dutch superstar Sifan Hassan.

Jepchirchir’s love affair with London began in 2023 when she marked her debut with a podium finish, clocking 2:18:38.

On that occasion, she settled for third behind Hassan (2:18:33) and Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu (2:18:37).

A year later, the 32-year-old returned wiser and sharper, producing a devastating kick to storm to victory in a then women’s-only world record of 2:16:16.

Jepchirchir was, however, forced to miss last year’s edition through injury, watching from the sidelines as Assefa rewrote history, obliterating Jepchirchir’s women’s-only record with a 2:15:50 finish.

Now back to full fitness, Jepchirchir has made no secret of her excitement about returning to familiar and favoured territory.

“I can’t wait to compete in London next spring. It is one of my beloved races where I have always had great vibes. See you soon, London,” Jepchirchir shared.

She heads into the London showdown buoyed by an outstanding 2025 campaign that saw her clinch her maiden World title in Tokyo, clocking 2:24:43, before finishing second at the Valencia Marathon in 2:14:43.

Following her triumph in Tokyo, Jepchirchir made her intentions crystal clear. “I am aiming to bring back home my women’s-only record,” she said after her return from Japan.

Joining her on the start line will be two-time Boston and New York Marathon champion Obiri, who will be making her highly anticipated London debut.

Obiri enjoyed an explosive 2025 season. She opened the year with mixed fortunes, finishing second in Boston (2:17:41) and fourth at the Great Manchester Run 10K (31:16).

However, she gathered momentum as the season wore on, closing the year in imperious fashion with four consecutive victories at the New York 10K (30:44), Atlanta 10K (31:29), Dam tot Damloop 10 Miles Road Race (50:51) and the New York City Marathon, where she clocked 2:19:51 to cap a stellar campaign.

Meanwhile, Jepkosgei brings unrivalled London experience, boasting the most appearances and accolades among the Kenyan trio.

She made her debut in 2021 and announced herself in style with victory in 2:17:43.

The following year, she finished second in 2:18:07, before returning in 2024 to claim third place in 2:16:24 and then finish second last year, clocking 2:18:44. Jepkosgei has spoken fondly of the unique allure of the London Marathon.

“Competing in a marathon is always an incredible journey, but competing in London is always something different,” she said.

“Proud to announce I will compete in London in April. I can’t wait to run in the city.”

Adding further weight to her London credentials, Jepkosgei rounded off her 2025 season by edging out the reigning world champion Jepchirchir to win in Valencia in a lifetime best of 2:14:00.

Despite the depth of Kenyan firepower, the challenge ahead remains formidable. Assefa, the defending champion, boasts an imposing resume that includes back-to-back Berlin Marathon titles in 2022 and 2023, in n addition to her London triumph last year.

Hassan, too, is no stranger to the big occasion, boosting  major wins in Chicago and London both in 2023, as well as Sydney last year