Distance running icon Kipchoge sets for London Marathon comeback

Distance running legend Eliud Kipchoge will return to the London Marathon on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

The Kenyan superstar, a two-time Olympic marathon champion and record four-time London winner, last competed in the event in 2020.

Now 40, Kipchoge is determined to bounce back from what he described as a “demoralising” mid-race dropout at the Paris Olympics. He remains confident in his ability to vie for a fifth London Marathon title.

“Sport is full of challenges. I’m still working hard to get better, trying to inspire people and sell the power of sport,” Kipchoge said. “I still think I can compete. I am training in a good way and competing with the youngest people.”

London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher highlighted the elite lineup for the 2025 race, calling it “the greatest elite field in the history of the London Marathon.”

The women’s race features a star-studded roster, including world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, and silver medallist Tiger Assefa—the three fastest women in marathon history. British athlete Eilish McColgan will also make her highly anticipated debut.

In the men’s race, Emile Cairess will lead British hopes, potentially targeting Mo Farah’s national record, alongside Olympic and world triathlon champion Alex Yee.

Kipchoge, who became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours in 2019 under controlled conditions, holds the official second-fastest marathon time of 2:01:09.

With 11 major marathon victories and two Olympic golds, his return to London is set to electrify the global running community.