Eliud Kipchoge to make grand comeback at 2025 London Marathon

The 2025 London Marathon is set to deliver one of the most thrilling races in its history, boasting a line-up of elite athletes, including the three fastest women ever, reigning champions from top global marathons, and the much-anticipated debut of Jacob Kiplimo, a rising star in marathon running. Adding to the excitement, London has announced the return of Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge.

Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, last raced in London in 2020. Between 2015 and 2019, he dominated the event, winning a record four titles. However, his seven-year winning streak came to an end during the COVID-delayed 2020 London Marathon, where he finished a disappointing 8th, citing ear blockage issues.

Since then, Kipchoge has had highs and lows. He bounced back after 2020 with four consecutive wins, including a second Olympic gold in Sapporo and another world record in Berlin. But the 2024 season marked a rough patch for the Kenyan legend, with a 10th-place finish in Tokyo and his first-ever marathon DNF at the Paris Olympics. In Paris, Kipchoge struggled with back and hip pain, falling off the lead pack early in the race.

Now at 40 years old, Kipchoge says he has recovered and is ready to prove himself again. “All in all, I’m well now. My body is good,” Kipchoge said. “Running is not always straight; sometimes you hit a bump. It was a big challenge, but above all, it’s sport. You need to wake up, go again, and push on every day.”

He couldn't miss this. 🤭@EliudKipchoge 🇰🇪 returns to the @LondonMarathon on 27 April! #NNRunningTeam #GoChaseIt #LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/0sn4ojbpIa

— NN Running Team (@NNRunningTeam) January 17, 2025

The London course, known for its flat terrain, has been kind to Kipchoge in the past. However, this year’s field is the strongest in history, with six men boasting sub-2:04 marathon times. For the first time since his debut in London a decade ago, Kipchoge will not be the race favourite.

Despite the competition and his age, Kipchoge remains confident. “I still think I can compete,” he said. “It’s inspiring to race against younger runners. I’m training hard and ready to go.”

When asked about retirement, Kipchoge reflected on his 22-year career, acknowledging the challenges but emphasising his passion for running. “This is my life. If the curtains of retirement approach, you will still see me in sport. I’ll continue working with marathons worldwide.”

While the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remain uncertain for Kipchoge, his motivation is clear: to inspire people globally. “I’ll retire when the world becomes a running world—when 4 billion people are running every day,” Kipchoge quipped.

The 2025 London Marathon promises to be a spectacle, and all eyes will be on Kipchoge to see if he can write another remarkable chapter in his illustrious career.