Kiplimo, Sawe, Assefa and Obiri Lead the London Marathon Clash

Kiplimo, Sawe, Assefa, and Obiri Lead the London Marathon Clash

The London Marathon has a way of feeling bigger than just another race on the calendar. There is always a sense that something important is about to happen, whether it is a rivalry taking shape, a record under threat, or an athlete stepping into a new chapter. This weekend carries all of that. The fields are deep, the storylines are clear, and the stage is set for a race that could define the season.

Men’s Race: Sabastian Sawe vs Jacob Kiplimo and the Chase Behind

The London Marathon has always had a way of bringing the best together, and this year feels like one of those moments where everything lines up just right. The spotlight naturally falls on Sabastian Sawe and Jacob Kiplimo, two athletes who have quietly built one of the most compelling rivalries in distance running right now.

Last year gave us the first chapter. Kiplimo stepped into the marathon for the first time and ran with confidence, finishing second in 2:03:37. It was a strong debut, but Sawe showed a different level that day. His move late in the race, especially that 20th-mile surge, felt decisive and almost inevitable. It was the kind of performance that makes a statement without needing much explanation.

Since then, both athletes have made progress. Kiplimo’s progression has been steady and clear. Winning Chicago in 2:02:23 showed that he has adapted to the marathon distance, and his work across cross country and the half-marathon suggests that his strength has only grown. There is a sense that he now understands the marathon’s rhythm better than he did last year.

Sawe, on the other hand, has continued to show just how high his ceiling is. His 2:02:16 win in Berlin stands out as one of the best performances of the year, even with less than ideal conditions. There is a level of calm and control in how he races, and when he decides to go, very few can respond.

The one question around Sawe is his preparation. A stress fracture after Berlin interrupted his training, and while he has returned, the marathon does not leave much room for uncertainty. Even a small disruption can show up late in the race, especially when the pace is high from the start.

Behind the two favourites, the race has depth that could shape how things unfold. Deresa Geleta has the consistency and speed to stay close. Amos Kipruto brings experience and knows what it takes to win here. Geoffrey Kamworor continues to find ways to stay relevant at the highest level, and his recent half marathon form suggests he is ready again. Tamirat Tola carries championship strength and experience, while Yomif Kejelcha enters as a debutant with track credentials that demand attention.

The likely outcome still points toward Sawe and Kiplimo deciding the race between themselves. If the pace builds steadily and the race becomes a test of control and timing, Sawe may have the edge again. If it turns into a sustained, high-speed effort from early on, Kiplimo’s strength and recent momentum could carry him through.

A prediction feels close to a coin flip, but Kiplimo looks slightly better positioned this time. His preparation has been uninterrupted, and his confidence seems to be growing with every race. Sawe remains the man to beat, but this feels like the moment where the rivalry shifts.

Women’s Race: Tigst Assefa, Hellen Obiri, and Joyciline Jepkosgei Set the Stage

The women’s race may have lost a few big names in the weeks leading up to the event, but the quality at the front still holds strong. Tigst Assefa, Hellen Obiri, and Joyciline Jepkosgei bring different strengths into the race, and that mix creates a fascinating dynamic.

Assefa enters as the defending champion and one of the most consistent marathoners in recent years. Her performance last year, where she ran 2:15:50, showed how comfortable she is with both the distance and the demands of a fast race. Her training leading into this weekend has reportedly gone even better, and she has made it clear that she is aiming to run faster.

Her approach will likely depend on the pacers and how the early pace is set. If the race settles into a rhythm that allows her to build gradually, she becomes very difficult to beat. There is a smoothness to her running that makes even fast splits look controlled.

Hellen Obiri brings a different story to this race. She has built her marathon career on courses like Boston and New York, where tactics and strength matter more than time. This weekend offers something new. With pacers and a flat course, she has the opportunity to explore a level of speed that she has not needed to show before.

Joyciline Jepkosgei adds another layer to the race. Her consistency in London speaks for itself, with multiple podium finishes over the years. Her recent win in Valencia in 2:14:00 showed that she has reached a new level, and her ability to stay close to the leaders without overextending could play a key role.

The race could unfold in several ways. If the pace is honest from the start and the group stays together deep into the race, Assefa’s ability to maintain speed over time gives her a clear advantage. If the race becomes more tactical, Obiri’s strength and finishing ability could come into play. Jepkosgei is in a position to take advantage of either scenario.

A simple prediction is that Assefa will defend her title. Her current form, combined with her comfort in this setting, makes her the most reliable choice. Obiri feels like the biggest unknown, and that alone makes her dangerous. Jepkosgei remains close enough to challenge if the race opens up.

Official Start Lists:

Elite Men

Elite Women: