Four intriguing observations to watch for at the 2025 London Marathon

In one of the most competitive marathon races in the world, Kenya’s Alexander Munyao returns to defend his title in a men’s field with an incredible field of six men who have run under 2:04:00 for the marathon.

Past winners, including Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, Vivian Cheruiyot, and the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan, return for more titles in the women’s race.

Below are the intriguing observations to make during the 2025 edition of the London Marathon on 27th April:

1.       How long will Eliud Kipchoge keep inspiring?

In 2003, before many of the runners who will participate in the 2025 London Marathon were born, Eliud Kipchoge had already become a World Champion. He has been at the top of the world since that time, spanning more years than his age at the time. How inspiring will that be, especially for runners who were not yet born in 2003, when they get to run in the same race with someone they have been hearing about while they were toddlers?

Being a big contender for an upcoming major race is one thing. But, being a big contender in major competitions for more than 20 years, and already having won eleven world marathon majors titles, besides being a world and Olympic champion is different thing altogether.

2.       With her range from 1500m to Marathon, will Siffan Hassan be beatable?

Speed and endurance are the perfect definition of the Netherlands’ Siffan Hassan. He has the speed that can place her on the podium of a 1500m race at major world championships, and the endurance that makes her the reigning Olympic champion in the marathon.

London Marathon has a special place in Hassan’s heart. This is where she made her debut in 2003, where she went ahead to win it after stopping to stretch her leg.

However, the marathon distance is cruel to everyone and unpredictable. Nevertheless, it will be great to watch how Hassan does here.

3.       What will Jacob Kiplimo’s 56:42 half Marathon translate to in the marathon?

In February this year, at the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks half marathon event, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo ran a historic 56:42, becoming the first human ever to run the distance in under 57 minutes. He still maintains the same form in his body, and it will be intriguing to see how he performs in his marathon…