by Deji Ogeyingbo
2025 London Marathon Preview: A Clash of Legends, Records, and Redemption
The morning of April 27, 2025, promises to unfold like few others in marathon history. As the sun rises over the Thames, London isn’t just waking up to another race day—it’s preparing for a spectacle.
The city is alive. Over 750,000 fans are expected to line the iconic course that snakes past Cutty Sark, over Tower Bridge, and along the Embankment before finishing on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. More than 56,000 runners are registered—an all-time high. But while the masses bring color, energy, and emotion, the eyes of the world will be fixed on a smaller group of athletes with everything on the line.
At the heart of the story is Alexander Mutiso Munyao. A year ago, he stunned the field with a 2:04:01 victory, running calmly and delivering a decisive kick that sealed his win. But things haven’t gone as planned since. A forgettable showing at the Paris Olympics left him searching for answers. Now, he returns not just to defend a title, but to restore a reputation. A recent 59:16 half marathon suggests he’s back on track.
Then there’s Tamirat Tola. The Ethiopian walks with the quiet dignity of an Olympic champion; he earned that title last summer in Paris, but his history with London is less kind. A DNF here last year lingers in memory. He has unfinished business; this year, he arrives focused, lean, and dangerous.
New York, New York, USA
November 5, 2023, photo by Kevin Morris
Among the veterans and champions, a new name stirs the air with electric potential: Jacob Kiplimo. The Ugandan prodigy holds the half-marathon world record (56:42) and has long teased the marathon world with glimpses of what could be. Now, he finally steps onto the stage. No one knows exactly how he’ll handle the distance, but if his track and road credentials are any clue, we’re in for a performance that could redefine debut marathons.
And then—Eliud Kipchoge. The legend. The poet of the roads. Once untouchable, the 40-year-old has endured a challenging 18 months. A 10th place in Tokyo, a DNF in Paris—whispers of retirement swirl. Yet he stands tall, preparing for another tilt at glory. Is this the twilight of a titan, or the prologue to a final, unforgettable chapter?
Elsewhere in the men’s field, there’s the consistent and savvy Abdi Nageeye, fresh off his win in New York. Berlin champ Milkesa Mengesha is back after a quiet season, his 2:03:17 still echoing in race previews. And don’t overlook Sebastian Sawe, who blasted to a 2:02:05 debut in Valencia and hasn’t looked back. Every name in this race brings its own story—redemption, debut, dominance, or legacy.
But the men won’t be the only ones commanding attention on Sunday.
In the women’s race, the drama is equally rich—if not more so. Just 15 elite women are entered, but among them are champions, world record holders, and rivals whose battles stretch far beyond the course.
Sifan Hassan returns to the city where she watched her chaotic, miraculous marathon debut last year. She stopped mid-race to stretch, chased the lead pack like a sprinter, and still won. Since then, she’s won in Chicago, clocking 2:13:44—the third-fastest time in history and added Olympic gold in the marathon. She’s not just here to defend her crown; she’s here to run into legend.
But one woman plans to stop her.
Tigst Assefa, the former world record holder, ran stride for stride with Hassan in Paris. The two even bumped elbows in the final stretch, competitive fire burning between them. Assefa ran 2:11:53 in Berlin in 2023, the second-fastest time in history. Her mission is clear: restore her title and maybe take down her rival.
Waiting quietly behind the fireworks is Jocyline Jepkosgei. A former winner in London and third-place finisher last year, Jepkosgei doesn’t attract the headlines like Hassan or Assefa. But recent results—especially her 64:13 half marathon—suggest she may be in the best shape of her career. If the favorites falter, Jepkosgei will be there to strike.
And then there’s Megertu Alemu. Not flashy, not loud, just consistently excellent. Fourth last year, she’s always around when the race gets real. If the pace drops or tactics become messy, Alemu’s reliability could pay off.
The 2025 edition of the London Marathon is more than just a race. It’s a storybook written in sweat and dreams, where the characters each carry a chapter of hope, heartache, and ambition.
You’ll see Olympic gold medalists falter and rookies rise. You’ll see rivalries play out across 26.2 miles of historic London streets. You’ll see runners pushing against the wind and their limits, chasing history with every stride.
