The 2025 London Marathon is set to be a monumental event as it marks the return of Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary long-distance runner, who is competing for the first time in five years. The 40-year-old Kenyan, who has won the iconic race four times between 2015 and 2019, aims to add a fifth victory to his impressive resume. Kipchoge's participation adds an extraordinary layer of excitement to the race, which is expected to attract over 56,000 runners this Sunday, April 27, 2025.
Kipchoge's journey back to the London Marathon comes after a challenging experience at the Paris Games last year, where he failed to finish the marathon. However, he has dismissed retirement rumors and is eager to showcase his skills once again. “I’m really excited to be back to run again on the streets of London,” Kipchoge told The Independent. “What makes London so special is the fans. I love the sport. I am happy when I can inspire somebody somewhere in the world. That’s what motivates me to get up in the morning and run.”
Despite acknowledging the physical toll of age, Kipchoge remains confident in his abilities. He stated, “I have experienced a change in recovery. I would recover [from training] very fast seven, ten years ago. But, look, I can still run with the young people. I am still finishing with everybody.” This determination reflects his commitment to the sport and his desire to inspire the next generation of athletes.
While Kipchoge is the star of the show, he is not the only notable athlete participating. Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee is making his marathon debut in what promises to be an electrifying atmosphere. Yee, who won the British 10,000m title in 2018, expressed excitement mixed with nerves about his new challenge. “I’m definitely scared,” he admitted. “Compared to my triathlon stuff, there’s a lot of unknowns going into it.”
Yee has been training rigorously, averaging around 150km per week, and aims to complete the marathon in a competitive time of between 2:07 and 2:10. “I’m looking forward to probably waving them all goodbye at the start!” he joked, acknowledging the caliber of athletes he will be racing against, including Kipchoge.
The elite field for the London Marathon is indeed impressive, with Kipchoge facing off against last year’s champion Alexander Mutiso and Olympic gold medalist Tamirat Tola, among others. Kipchoge has amassed 11 marathon major victories and two Olympic titles, making him a formidable contender. His personal best of 2:01:09 places him among the fastest marathoners in history, and he even holds the record for the first runner to break the two-hour barrier, clocking in at 1:59:40 in Vienna in 2019.
As the race approaches, Kipchoge's presence is a source of inspiration for many. He has been a pioneer in the sport, working closely with Nike to develop advanced running shoes that incorporate carbon plates and ultra-bouncy foam, which he believes have revolutionized marathon running. “The shoe is taking care of the impact to the muscles,” he explained, highlighting how technology has enhanced performance in long-distance running.
The London Marathon is not just a race; it is a celebration of endurance and community, with over 840,000 applications submitted for this year’s event. Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, described it as “the most popular marathon on the planet.” The event has also gained recognition as the world’s largest single-day fundraiser, raising over £1.3 billion for charity since its inception in 1981.
As the elite women’s race kicks off at 4:05 a.m. ET, followed by the elite men at 4:35 a.m. ET, all eyes will be on Kipchoge and Yee as they navigate the 42.2km course. The elite women’s field features strong contenders like Tigst Assefa, who has a personal best of 2:11:53, and Joyciline Jepkosgei, the 2021 champion. The elite men’s race is equally competitive, with several athletes capable of breaking records.
With Kipchoge’s illustrious career and Yee’s promising debut, the 2025 London Marathon is poised to deliver unforgettable moments. The excitement is palpable, and fans are eager to witness history in the making as these athletes push their limits on one of the world’s most prestigious marathon stages.
Ultimately, the London Marathon serves as a platform for athletes to inspire and connect with fans around the globe. Kipchoge’s return symbolizes resilience and dedication, while Yee’s debut reflects a new chapter in his athletic journey. As they prepare to take their marks, the world watches with bated breath, ready to celebrate the spirit of marathon running.
