Chepngetich, Jepchirchir pull out of London Marathon

In the absence of Chepngetich and Jepchirchir organisers have announced that their compatriot and 2018 champion Vivian Cheruiyot will take a spot in the elite field, returning for the first time in five years.

Organisers had anticipated that having the two greatest distance runners square off on a fast course around St James’s Park would put Chepngetich’s world record of 2:09:56 under serious threat.

Chepngetich, 30, who became the first woman to run under two hours and 10 minutes with a winning time of 2:09:56 in Chicago last year, withdrew on Friday saying she was not ready to race in London.

“I’m not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London and I am therefore withdrawing. I am very sad to miss the race and I hope to be back next year,” said the world record holder.

Jepchirchir, who holds the women's-only marathon world record with a time of 2:16:16, set in the 2024 London Marathon, has sustained an ankle injury which will prevent her from defending the title.

“Winning last year’s London Marathon was one of the highlights of my career and I was very much looking forward to returning this year to defend my title. Unfortunately, my injury has made this impossible but I am focused on getting healthy again and hope to return to London again in the future when I’m fully fit,” said the 2020 Olympic champion.

Cheruiyot will return to the streets of the British capital for the first time in five years.

The 2016 Olympic Games 5,000m champion and four-time World Championships gold medallist, has run the London Marathon three times, winning in 2018 and finishing runner-up in 2019.

She last competed in October 2020 when she did not finish the elite-only race in very wet and cold conditions around St James’s Park during the Covid-19 pandemic. She finished third at last year’s New York City Marathon.

Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “It is a great shame that Ruth and Peres, two of the greatest women marathon runners in history, will not be at this year’s TCS London Marathon.

"We wish them both well and hope to welcome them back to London next year. Meantime, we’re delighted that our 2018 champion Vivian Cheruiyot will be coming to London as a late addition to the elite field.”

London Marathon women's start list

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)

Phily Bowden (GB)

Molly Bookmyer (US))

Eilish Mccolgan (GB)

Holly Archer (GB)