Eliud Kipchoge will make his return to the London Marathon where he won a record four titles, race organizers announced on Friday.
For Kipchoge it will be his first time back in London since 2020 where he finished eighth in rain conditions with an ear infection — and his first race since pulling out of the Olympic marathon in Paris in the early stages.
“I am excited to share that my next race will be the TCS London Marathon,” Kipchoge said in a statement. “It is a race that holds a very special place in my heart, filled with so many beautiful memories, and I am eager to create even more. Let us celebrate the joy of running and the collective spirit of thousands of runners coming together at the Start Line.”
Kipchoge won London in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019 and will face off against a loaded field that includes defending champ Alexander Mutiso, Sabastian Sawe, Timothy Kiplagat, Milkesa Mengesha and Paris Olympic marathon winner Tamirat Tola.
The elite field for the race on April 27 was announced yesterday and the growing list of competitors in the men’s and women’s divisions seems to increase on a daily basis.
But the 40-year-old Kipchoge has a fifth win in London in his sights and will kick off his 2025 campaign in familiar territory.
“It’s a privilege to share this journey with everyone else who will be taking part as we push ourselves to deliver our best performances” he said in his statement. “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’s last win was a 2:02:42 trek at the 2023 Berlin after struggling in Boston earlier that year and finishing sixth in 2:09:23. At the 2024 Tokyo Marathon he finished tenth in 2:06:50, the lowest of his career.
The time away from the sports after not completing the Olympic marthon in Paris might be the formula Kipchoge needs to return to his world class form.
“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 to the TCS London Marathon in 2025 for our historic 45th edition,” Hugh Brasher Brasher TCS London Marathon CEO, said in a statement.
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