London Marathon 2026 Set for Epic Women's Elite Race
The 2026 London Marathon, scheduled for 26 April, is poised to deliver one of the most thrilling women's elite races in recent memory, as defending champion Tigst Assefa prepares to renew her intense rivalry with Olympic gold medallist Sifan Hassan and world champion Peres Jepchirchir. This trio of running superstars will headline a field brimming with talent, promising a contest that could shatter records and captivate athletics fans worldwide.
A Clash of Titans on the Capital's Streets
Tigst Assefa, the Ethiopian powerhouse, returns to London where she claimed her first title last year in a women's-only world record time of 2:15.50. Her credentials are formidable, having smashed the overall women's world record at the 2022 Berlin Marathon with an astonishing 2:11:53. However, Assefa's path to victory will be fraught with challenge, as her only recent defeats have come at the hands of the very athletes she will face in April.
Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir has proven a particular nemesis, edging Assefa in sprint finishes at both the 2024 London Marathon and the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Dutch sensation Sifan Hassan outsprinted Assefa to claim glory at the 2024 Paris Olympics, adding another layer of intrigue to this high-stakes reunion.
Record-Breaking Potential and Champion Ambitions
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, highlighted the historic nature of this lineup, stating, "For the first time since Paris, all three of these extraordinary athletes will be on the same start line. With the calibre of athletes coming to London, it would be no surprise if the women-only world record is broken again." This sentiment underscores the elite quality of the field, with each runner boasting a CV that commands respect.
Assefa expressed her determination to avenge recent losses, saying, "Winning last year's London Marathon was one of the proudest moments of my career. To do it again, I know I'll have to beat great champions like Peres and Sifan. We've had some great battles. I hope this year I can come out on top." Her focus is clear, but she faces opponents of equal resolve.
Sifan Hassan, the 2023 London champion, arrives with victories in Chicago (2023) and Sydney (2025), cementing her status as one of the sport's most versatile and formidable competitors. Peres Jepchirchir brings world titles in both the marathon and half marathon, along with previous wins in Boston, New York, and at the Tokyo Olympics, making her a consistent threat on the global stage.
Depth of Talent in a Star-Studded Field
Beyond the headline trio, the elite women's field is enriched by other world-class athletes. Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei joins the fray, having run the fourth-fastest women's marathon in history (2:14:00) to win Valencia last year. Her presence adds another dimension of speed and endurance to the competition.
Fellow Kenyan Hellen Obiri, a two-time New York City champion and bronze medallist in the Paris 2024 marathon, is set to make her London debut, bringing her formidable track pedigree to the marathon distance. These athletes ensure that the race will be fiercely contested from start to finish.
The domestic contingent is equally strong, featuring Britain's Eilish McColgan, Jess Warner-Judd, and Abbie Donnelly, who will aim to shine on home soil. Their participation adds local interest and highlights the depth of British distance running.
As anticipation builds, the elite men's field is slated for announcement on Thursday, rounding out what promises to be a spectacular edition of the London Marathon. With world records under threat and rivalries reignited, the 2026 event is shaping up to be an unmissable spectacle in the athletics calendar.
