Sifan Hassan revealed on Monday that she will not participate in the London Marathon on April 26 due to an Achilles issue that has prevented her from a proper buildup for the race.
“I am disappointed because this race means so much to me but right now my Achilles is holding me back and I’m not ready to be at my best,” Hassan said in a social media post. “I wish everyone racing an amazing day out there!”
Race organizers also confirmed that Hassan would not be ready to race time and suffered the injury while training.
“Hassan picked up the injury following an unfortunate incident while training on the treadmill six weeks ago,” a statement from London Marathon Events read. “Initially the injury was believed to be minor, and she continued to train but, as her preparations for the TCS London Marathon intensified, the Dutch athlete was unable to progress as planned.
Hassan was set to line up alongside Tigst Assefa, who claimed the women’s-only world record last year in 2:15.50 and will return to defend her title.
“Winning last year’s TCS London Marathon and setting a women-only world record was one of the proudest moments of my career and I want to repeat that again this year,” Assefa said in January. “To do that I know I will have to beat great champions like Peres and Sifan. They have been tough competitors for me and we have had some great battles, I hope that this year I can come out on top.”
Meanwhile, a loaded women’s field for the upcoming event will also include Joyciline Jepkosgei, Peres Jepchirchir, Hellen Obiri and Degitu Azimeraw.
Hassan notably won London in her marathon debut in 2023 in 2:18:33 in a last moment kick past Alemu Megertu and Peres Jepchirchir.
The men’s elite group will be led by Sabastian Sawe, who eyes his second straight London Marathon win after clocking a 2:02:27 last year.
He will face a considerable challenge as Jacob Kiplimo, Deresa Geleta, Amos Kipruto, Tamirat Tola, Amanal Petros, Geoffrey Kamworor and Joshua Cheptegei will all be in position to keep Sawe from the top podium spot.
