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.”
