Peres Jepchirchir during her 2024 London marathon victory/ FILE
Reigning World marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has withdrawn from the London Marathon scheduled for April 26, owing to an injury sustained in December.
Her withdrawal comes hot on the heels of Sifan Hassan also pulling out of the race, stripping the contest of two of its biggest headliners.
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Race organisers confirmed that the former women’s-only world record holder has pulled out of next week’s blockbuster showdown.
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“Reigning World champion Peres Jepchirchir has withdrawn from the 2026 London Marathon,” read part of the official statement.
Organisers further revealed that Jepchirchir has been battling an injury sustained late last year during her outing at the Valencia Marathon.
“The 2024 London Marathon champion suffered a stress fracture after racing in the Valencia Marathon last December, an injury that delayed the start of her training block,” the statement added.
At the Valencia Marathon, Jepchirchir clocked 2:14:43 to finish second behind compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei, who stormed to victory in 2:14:00. Belgium’s Chloe Herbiet completed the podium in 2:20:38.
The statement noted that the 2020 Olympic champion simply ran out of time in her bid to hit peak condition for London.
“The 32-year-old has now made the decision that she has not had enough time to sufficiently prepare for the 2026 London Marathon and will instead focus on her recovery."
“You’ll be missed, Peres, and we hope to see you soon,” the statement concluded.
Jepchirchir boasts a formidable resume in the British capital.
She first hit the podium in 2023, clocking 2:18:38 to finish third behind the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan (2:18:33) and Ethiopia’s Alemu Megertu (2:18:37).
She returned in 2024 with a statement run, surging to victory in a then women’s-only world record of 2:16:16, outkicking Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa (2:16:23) and Jepkosgei (2:16:24).
With the deck reshuffled, Kenya’s charge will now be spearheaded by two-time New York and Boston marathon champion Hellen Obiri and former London champion Joyciline Jepkosgei.
The duo however face a daunting task against defending champion Assefa, who lifted last year's gong after timing 2:15:50, a women's-only world record.
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