London Marathon: Eliud Kipchoge Aims for Historic Fifth Win

Eliud Kipchoge announces his return to the London Marathon in April, seeking a record-extending fifth victory in the event, with a strong field including Sabastian Sawe and Jacob Kiplimo.

Eliud Kipchoge, the former marathon world record holder, has announced that he will compete in the London Marathon in April, as he seeks to extend his record to five victories in the event. Organizers and Kipchoge himself confirmed the news on Friday. The 40-year-old Kenyan, who won Olympic marathon gold in 2016 and 2020, holds an unofficial world record for being the only person to have run a marathon distance inside two hours.

Kipchoge expressed his excitement about returning to London, a city where he has enjoyed significant success in the past. “I am excited to share that my next race will be the TCS London Marathon,” Kipchoge said in a statement. He also revealed that he has been resting and has now returned to training with renewed energy and focus. “It is a race that holds a very special place in my heart... After a good period of rest, I have returned to training with renewed energy and focus. I feel re-fuelled to give my very best in London.”

Kipchoge is widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners of all time, with a record five World Marathon Majors series titles to his name. He held the men's marathon world record from 2018 to 2023, until his compatriot Kelvin Kiptum broke it at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher praised Kipchoge, saying: “Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest marathon runner of this or any other age.”

London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher heaped praise on Eliud Kipchoge, suggesting that his dominance in marathon racing makes a strong case for him being considered the greatest athlete of all time. “Indeed, you could make a compelling case that his incredible stretch of dominance in marathon racing for such a lengthy period makes him the greatest athlete we have ever seen,” Brasher said. He also highlighted Kipchoge's impressive record in London, where he has won four times, a record in the elite men's category. “His four victories here in London is a record in the elite men's category and, after five years away, it's so exciting to be welcoming him back... for our historic 45th edition.”

Kipchoge will face a strong field in the men's race, including Sabastian Sawe, who won on his marathon debut in Valencia last month, reigning Berlin Marathon champion Milkesa Mengesha, and Abdi Nageeye, who won the latest edition of the New York City Marathon. Jacob Kiplimo will also make his marathon debut in the men's field on April 27. The elite women's race will feature a similarly impressive lineup, including marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, former winner and 2024 Olympic gold medallist Sifan Hassan, as well as Tigst Assefa, who clinched silver in the Paris Games.