Just weeks before one of the most anticipated races on the global road running calendar, the women’s elite field at the London Marathon has suffered a major setback. Two of its biggest stars, Peres Jepchirchir and Sifan Hassan, have both withdrawn due to injury, significantly altering the competitive landscape ahead of the April 26 showdown.
Jepchirchir, the reigning world marathon champion and a former London winner, has been forced to pull out after a stress fracture disrupted her preparation. The Kenyan star, who claimed victory at the London Marathon in 2024, had been expected to play a central role in what was shaping up to be a historic race. However, her injury, sustained after competing in the Valencia Marathon late last year, delayed the start of her training cycle and ultimately left her short of race fitness.
In a statement released by race organisers, the 32-year-old acknowledged the challenge of returning to peak condition in time. She revealed that she was only able to resume training in late January, leaving her with insufficient preparation for a race of such intensity. Competing at the London Marathon requires athletes to be at their absolute best, and Jepchirchir admitted that she could not reach that level despite her efforts.
This marks the second consecutive year that Jepchirchir will miss the prestigious event. She was also absent last year due to an ankle injury, making her latest withdrawal another frustrating chapter in what has otherwise been a stellar career. Despite these setbacks, she remains one of the most decorated marathon runners of her generation, with titles that include Olympic gold at Tokyo and victories at major races such as Boston and New York.
Adding to the disappointment for fans and organisers alike is the withdrawal of Olympic champion Sifan Hassan. The Dutch star, widely regarded as one of the most versatile distance runners in history, has been sidelined by an Achilles injury sustained during training. Reports indicate that the injury occurred following a treadmill incident several weeks ago, initially appearing minor but worsening as her preparations intensified.
Hassan, who won the London Marathon in 2023 and secured Olympic marathon gold in Paris 2024, had been among the favourites for this year’s race. Her decision to withdraw was based on the need to prioritise long-term recovery over short-term competition. After an intense season that included multiple major marathons, the 33-year-old opted against risking further damage by competing without full fitness.
The absence of both Jepchirchir and Hassan is a significant blow to the event, which had initially promised a thrilling clash between some of the biggest names in women’s marathon running. Alongside defending champion Tigst Assefa, the trio were expected to renew their rivalry following memorable encounters at the Olympics and previous World Marathon Majors.
Their withdrawals now leave Assefa as the standout name in the field, although the race remains highly competitive with several elite athletes still in contention. The London Marathon has built a reputation for producing record-breaking performances and dramatic finishes, and while the lineup has changed, expectations for a high-quality race remain.
For Jepchirchir and Hassan, the focus now shifts to recovery and future competitions. Both athletes have demonstrated resilience throughout their careers and are likely to return stronger as they target upcoming events later in the season.
As race day approaches, the narrative surrounding the London Marathon has shifted from a blockbuster showdown to a test of depth within the women’s field. While fans may miss the presence of two global icons, the unpredictability introduced by their absence could open the door for new contenders to step into the spotlight and make their mark on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
