London Marathon 2025: Will ‘greatest’ elite fields break records?

Despite the absences of Chepngetich and Jepchirchir, the sight of former world record holder Tigst Assefa and Hassan on the start line means hopes of a new women’s record are far from over.

The elite women race separately in London, meaning the time to beat is Jepchirchir’s 2024 London winning time of 2:16:16, which also stands as the women’s-only world record. Both Assefa and Hassan have run faster than that.

Ethiopia’s Assefa smashed the mixed world record in 2023 by running 2:11:53 in Berlin and has suggested similar could be possible this year.

“I did a half marathon in December and that was a test,” she said.

“My preparation for this race is good and I feel like I’m in better shape than I was in Berlin.”

Meanwhile, it is never dull when Hassan is involved.

The 32-year-old Dutch star won on her debut in London two years ago despite stopping at the roadside mid-race to stretch out a hip injury while her rivals ran away from her – and still ran 2:18:33.

Hassan achieved Olympic gold last summer in similarly dramatic fashion, appearing to fade from contention before battling past Assefa in a spectacular sprint finish to add to her bronze medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m on the track.

Her personal best of 2:13:44 – set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon – puts her third on the all-time list of fastest female marathoners and she spoke about wanting to break the 2:10 barrier earlier this year, something only Chepngetich has achieved.

Speaking on Friday, she added: “In the marathon, whether you like it or not you will push.

“Running the marathon teaches you to push.

“I will do my best. I am getting nervous – that is good. When I get nervous I do well.”