Why Chepngetich, Jepchirchir withdrew from London Marathon

World marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich, who shattered the record and became the first woman in history to run sub-2:10 over 26.2 miles, is out of this year’s TCS London Marathon set for Sunday, 27 April.

Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning London Marathon and Tokyo Olympic champion, is also out of the event.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Up to Ksh12.9 million awaits Timothy Cheruiyot in stacked Miami Grand Slam Track

Chepng’etich made history at last year’s Chicago Marathon after running 2:09:56, improving Tigist Assefa’s mark of 2:11:53 by almost two minutes. The 30-year-old was the leading name in the elite women’s field at this year’s race, but says she is not ready to race.

“I am not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London, and I am therefore withdrawing. I am very sad to miss the race, and I hope to return next year,” Chepngetich said ahead of Monday’s race.

On her part, Tokyo Olympic champion, Jepchirchir is out after sustaining an ankle injury. At last year’s edition, Jepchirchir triumphed in a new women-only world record of 2:16:16.

“Winning last year’s TCS London Marathon was one of the highlights of my career, and I was very much looking forward to returning this year to defend my title,” she explained. “Unfortunately, my injury has made this impossible, but I am focused on getting healthy again and hope to return to London in the future when I am fully fit.”

In the absence of the duo, organisers have announced that their compatriot Vivian Cheruiyot will take a spot in the elite field. Cheruiyot, 41, has run the London Marathon three times and won it in 2018.

Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper opens up on Rising Stars exclusion

Cheruiyot joins a lineup now headlined by two-time Berlin Marathon champion Tigist Assefa and Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan.

The race will also include 2021 London Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei and Valencia Marathon champion Alemu Megertu, who finished third and fourth, respectively, in London this year.

Ethiopia’s 2023 Osaka Marathon champion Haven Hailu, Ugandan record-holder Stella Chesang, and world bronze medalist Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi are also in the line-up, while Commonwealth 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan is set to make her marathon debut.

London Marathon elite women's start list

Tigst Assefa (Eth)

Sifan Hassan (Ned)

Joyciline Jepkosgei (Ken)

Megertu Alemu (Eth)

Stella Chesang (Uga)

Vivian Cheruiyot (Ken)

Haven Hailu Desse (Eth)

Susanna Sullivan (US)

Charlotte Purdue (GB)

Sofiia Yaremchuk (Ita)

Rose Harvey (GB)

Phily Bowden (GB)

Molly Bookmyer (US)

Eilish Mccolgan (GB)

Holly Archer (GB) 

Former Kabras RFC captain opens up on Canadian venture