Chepngetich and Jepchirchir out of London Marathon

Ruth Chepngetich, the defending champion, and Peres Jepchirchir, the other two, have announced their exits from the London Marathon.

Chepngetich, a 30-year-old Kenyan, said she was unprepared for the race coming up next weekend because she was the first woman to record a time of under two hours and 10 minutes at the 2024 Chicago marathon.

Chepngetich expressed regret for skipping the race but hoped to return for the 2026 London Marathon.

She continued, “I’m withdrawing because I’m not mentally or physically at my best in London.”

Jepchirchir, a fellow Kenyan, will miss the race due to an ankle problem, which was the record-setting two hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds winner of the London Marathon last year.

Jepchirchir, 31, said, “I was very much looking forward to competing in the London Marathon last year, which was one of my career’s highlights,” and I was looking forward to doing it again this year.

“Unfortunately, my injury prevented this, but I’m determined to get healthy again and look forward to going back to London when I’m fully recovered.”

The organizers of Chepngetich and Jepchirchir have made it known that Vivian Cheruiyot will be competing in the elite field in their absence.

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)

(GB) Phily Bowden

(US) Molly Bookmyer

Eilish McColgan (GB)