Will the record be broken? That’s a big issue before this Sunday’s London Marathon.
Race Director Hugh Brasher declared that the 45th edition of the event has “the largest elite field in the history of the London Marathon” after the stellar lineup was announced in January.
Despite the delayed withdrawal of women’s world record holder Ruth Chepnigeg and 2024 champion Perez Jeptiltiltil, the women’s race still features the second and third fastest athletes in history.
This includes Sifan Hassan, one of the four reigning champions and Paralympic Marathon champions at this year’s event, who has returned for the first time since his surprising comeback victory in his 2023 debut.
Two of the five fastest men in history line up in the men’s races, led by record four-time champion Eliud Kipchoge, while half marathon world record holder Jacob Kiprimo makes his enthusiastic and predictable debut at 26.2 miles.
Meanwhile, the elite wheelchair event features Swiss athlete Marcel’s embrace and Katherine DeBranagh – a record holder for the world and course.
Who will win – and will they secure a piece of history and a lucrative bonus?
The elite field course record for men (2 hours, 1 minute, 25 seconds) or women (2:16:16) is worth an additional $25,000 (£19,000) and anyone who breaks the world record will receive $125,000 (£94,000).
