2025 London Marathon – Elite Women’s Field Preview

The elite women’s field for the 2025 London Marathon is being hailed as one of the strongest ever assembled, featuring world record holders, Olympic champions, and major marathon winners. Race director Hugh Brasher has called it “quite simply the greatest elite field in the history of the London Marathon,” underscoring the depth of talent on the start line. Scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2025, the women’s race promises a thrilling competition with an array of accomplished runners. Below is an overview of each elite female athlete in the field, along with their country, accolades, recent form, and an assessment of their winning prospects.

• Ruth Chepngetich (Kenya) – The reigning world record holder in the women’s marathon, Chepngetich shattered the record last October with a jaw-dropping time of 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon​ – the first woman ever under 2:10. A 2019 world champion and three-time Chicago Marathon winner​, the 30-year-old Kenyan enters London as the woman to beat. Her current form is spectacular (she has run three of the ten fastest times in history​), making her a top favorite to win. Experts believe that with her record-breaking fitness, Chepngetich could even threaten another super fast time in London, and she’ll be aiming to add a London title to her resume. Winning projection: Very high – she is widely considered the front-runner given her recent world-record performance​.

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• Tigst Assefa (Ethiopia) – The second-fastest woman in history over 26.2 miles, Assefa was the previous world record holder before Chepngetich’s feat. She clocked an astonishing 2:11:53 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, obliterating the record at the time​. Assefa is a back-to-back Berlin Marathon champion (2022 and 2023) and an Olympic middle-distance finalist in her earlier career. Her pedigree includes an Olympic track silver medal (800m) from 2016, showcasing her range (she transitioned to the marathon with stunning success). In London 2025, Assefa is considered a major contender – on paper, only Chepngetich has run faster. If she reproduces anything close to her Berlin heroics, she could very well win. Winning projection: Very high – a co-favorite, given her 2:11 form and status as a former world record holder, making this race a potential showdown between her and Chepngetich.

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• Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) – The current Olympic marathon champion (gold medalist in Paris 2024)​, Hassan is a remarkable multi-distance talent. She won the London Marathon in 2023 on her debut (in 2:18:33) despite stopping mid-race to stretch, then went on to win the 2023 Chicago Marathon in a blazing 2:13:44​. That Chicago time makes her the No. 3 fastest woman ever over the marathon distance. Hassan is also a double Olympic track champion (5000m & 10,000m) and has seamlessly translated her dominance to the roads. Her competitive spirit and rapid improvement in the marathon have experts viewing her as a serious threat to win again in London. She has beaten top fields before, and with her marathon credentials growing, she’s absolutely in the top tier. Winning projection: Very high – as the reigning Olympic marathon champion and a 2:13 runner, she is firmly among the favorites​ and could outkick even the fastest on a good day.

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• Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya) – The defending London Marathon champion and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic marathon gold medalist, Jepchirchir brings championship pedigree. She won London 2024 in a women-only world record time of 2:16:16​ (the fastest ever in a women-only ) and is also known for her unprecedented streak of big victories: she has won Olympic gold, the New York City Marathon (2019) and Boston Marathon (2022) in addition to London. With a personal best of 2:16:16, she’s slightly slower on paper than the “big three” above, but her strength in tactical, high-stakes races is unmatched. Expect Jepchirchir to mount a strong title defense. Winning projection: High – she is a seasoned championship racer and cannot be counted out​. If the race becomes strategic or the pace is slightly slower, her experience at winning major titles gives her a real shot at repeating as champion.

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• Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya) – A former London Marathon winner (2021)​ Jepkosgei also famously won the 2019 New York City Marathon in her debut at the distance. With a personal best of 2:16:24, she is among the six women in this field who have run under 2:17. Jepkosgei is additionally a former half-marathon world record holder, highlighting her speed. However, her recent marathon outings have been a bit under the radar compared to the record-shattering performances of others. In London, she is viewed as a dark horse contender – someone who could capitalize if the big favorites falter. Winning projection: Moderate – if she’s in top form she could challenge for the podium, but outright victory would likely require an upset over the above favorites. Still, her proven ability to win majors means she can’t be completely overlooked.

• Megertu Alemu (Ethiopia) – An ascending star who won the 2024 Valencia Marathon in impressive fashion​, Alemu comes in with a personal best of 2:16:34​. That puts her in the elite sub-2:17 category as well. She also placed on the podium in London 2023 (runner-up) and has been consistently improving. Alemu may not have the same name recognition as some others, but her times speak volumes. She is considered an outsider with a puncher’s chance – if the top guns have an off day or if conditions favor her, she could spring a surprise. Winning projection: Moderate – likely aiming for a top-3 finish; a win would require her to beat multiple faster-record runners, but her recent momentum (Valencia win) indicates she could be in career-best shape​.

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• Stella Chesang (Uganda) – A former track standout, Chesang is the 2018 Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion​ who has transitioned to the marathon. She has a personal best of 2:18:26​, set in 2023, marking her as the Ugandan record holder and a national star. While 2:18 is a superb time (making her one of the top ~15 all-time performers), in this historically fast field it actually ranks a bit behind the top group. Chesang’s strength and championship experience on the track could serve her well if the race turns tactical. Winning projection: Low – she’s an excellent runner, but beating multiple sub-2:14 women would be a tall order. More realistically, she’ll be targeting a strong finish (top 5-10) and possibly lowering her own Ugandan marathon record. Keep an eye on her as a potential top-ten finisher with an outside shot at the podium if chaos unfolds.

• Haven Hailu Desse (Ethiopia) – Hailu is a 26-year-old Ethiopian talent with a personal best of 2:19:29​, which she ran as the runner-up at the 2023 Amsterdam Marathon​. She also won the Osaka Women’s Marathon in 2023, showcasing her ability to handle competitive fields. Consistently in the 2:19–2:21 range, Hailu is part of the formidable depth of Ethiopian marathoners. In London, she will likely be looking to break the 2:20 barrier again or better. Winning projection: Low – given the presence of multiple 2:11–2:16 runners, Hailu would need a breakthrough day beyond her current best to contend for the win. However, her steady progress and racing savvy could land her in the mix for a top 5 finish if some favorites don’t perform.

• Susanna Sullivan (USA) – One of the top Americans in the field, Sullivan hit a personal best of 2:21:56​. She made headlines as the top American finisher at the 2024 Chicago Marathon​, which underlines her current form. Sullivan, 32, has been improving rapidly and will use London to continue that momentum. She’s unlikely to challenge the East African elites for the win, but she could threaten the 2:20 mark and vie for the title of first non-African finisher. Winning projection: Very low – her goal will be more about personal bests and national honors. In this company, a top 10 would be a great achievement for her. Still, her recent performances show she’s peaking at the right time.

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• Charlotte Purdue (Great Britain) – A veteran on the British marathon scene, Purdue is the third-fastest British female marathoner ever​. She owns a personal best of 2:22:17 (set in Berlin 2023) and has multiple top-10 finishes in London in the past. At 32, she brings experience and consistency. British fans will be cheering Purdue as one of their best hopes; she’ll also be eyeing qualification standards for upcoming championships. Winning projection: Very low – while Purdue is an elite runner, the global field here is a notch above. She’ll be focused on being the top British finisher and possibly lowering her PB. A top 10 placing is possible if she runs smartly, adding to her legacy as one of Britain’s marathon greats​.

• Sofiia Yaremchuk (Italy) – A Ukrainian-born Italian runner, Yaremchuk is the Italian national record holder in the marathon with her time of 2:23:16 set in Valencia in December 2023​. That performance broke a decade-old Italian record, signaling her as a leading European marathoner. Sofiia also holds Italy’s half-marathon record and has been steadily improving. In this field, she’ll be looking to further lower that record if conditions permit. Winning projection: Very low – she’s unlikely to be in contention for the victory against the East African and global stars, but as the top European in the race, Yaremchuk’s goal will be a strong finish (perhaps top 10-15) and another national record attempt​.

• Rose Harvey (Great Britain) – Harvey is known for her tenacity; remarkably, she finished the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics despite running on a broken leg​. With a personal best of 2:23:21​, she’s among Britain’s fastest women. Harvey will be eager to put her Olympic heartbreak behind her and perform well on home soil. Her gritty reputation suggests she’ll give it her all whether she’s in contention or not. Winning projection: Very low – the win is out of reach, but Harvey could certainly improve her PB. A solid performance might see her near the top 10. Her true victory was earning a finish in the Olympics; in London, she’ll aim for a healthy, strong race and perhaps a European/British competition with Purdue and McColgan​

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• Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi (Morocco) – Gardadi made history in 2023 as the World Championships bronze medalist in the women’s marathon (in Budapest)​, becoming the first Moroccan (and Arab woman) to medal in that event. She has a personal best around 2:24 (her official PB is 2:25:17 from Worlds)​. Gardadi is more of a championship racer than a time-trialer, which means she excels in tactical, hot-weather races – as evidenced by her world bronze. In London’s likely faster-paced race, she may find herself outmatched in sheer speed, but her competitive grit is notable. Winning projection: Low – she’s a long-shot for victory given others’ sub-2:20 credentials. However, if the race unexpectedly turns into a strategic contest, Gardadi’s experience in championship conditions could help her outperform expectations. A mid-pack finish in this field would still be respectable, and she’ll carry the pride of Morocco on her shoulders.

• Philippa “Phily” Bowden (Great Britain) – Bowden emerged as a rising British marathoner when she ran 2:25:47 at the 2024 Berlin Marathon, placing her 9th on the UK all-time list​. At 30, she is in the prime of her career. Bowden will likely act as a pacer for some of the British contingent or run her own race targeting another sub-2:26 performance. Winning projection: Very low – she’s here representing the depth of British talent. Her aim will be to compete among the top domestic runners and possibly chip away at her PB. A strong showing could help her stake a claim for national team selection, even if she won’t be near the podium in this company​.

• Lucy Reid (Great Britain) – Reid is a newer face in the marathon, having made her debut in December 2024 in Malaga with a time of 2:26:35​. That impressive first outing immediately placed her among the top Brits. London will be her first experience in a World Marathon Major elite field. She’ll be looking to gain experience and see if she can lower her time further. Winning projection: Very low – Reid is in development mode. Her focus is likely on learning from running alongside world-class competitors and perhaps improving the British debut record she set. Watch for her as part of the domestic pack – anything under 2:26 again would be a success for this stage of her career​.

• Emily Durgin (USA) – An American distance runner on the rise, Durgin has a PB of 2:26:46​ which she ran while placing 5th at the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Marathon (well under the Olympic standard). She also boasts a 1:07:54 half marathon, indicating potential for faster times. London will be a big stage for Durgin to test herself against the world’s best. Winning projection: Very low – her goal will be to compete hard and perhaps break 2:26. As one of the top Americans, she’ll want to finish as high as possible among the non-African runners. A personal best or top-15 finish would mark a great day for Durgin in this elite field​.

• Molly Bookmyer (USA) – Bookmyer comes in with a inspirational backstory and a personal best of 2:28:52​. She won the 2024 Twin Cities Marathon, which was a breakthrough victory where she set that 2:28 PB​. Notably, Molly is a brain cancer survivor who underwent two brain surgeries – and has since fought her way to the elite level, making her one of the most inspiring figures in the field​. In London, she’ll be focused on continuing her improvement, possibly targeting a time in the 2:27 range. Winning projection: Very low – Bookmyer is not in contention for the win, but simply being on this start line is a victory of sorts. Look for her to soak in the experience of a major marathon and use that competitive environment to possibly notch another personal best. Her story of resilience will resonate regardless of placement.

• Louise Small (Great Britain) – Small recently joined the sub-2:30 club with a 2:29:33 marathon (set at the Frankfurt Marathon in October 2024)​. A former track runner and British junior standout, she has overcome injuries (including a torn Achilles in 2020) to reach this level. As a late addition to the elite field, Small will mainly be aiming to improve her time and gain experience. Winning projection: Very low – she’s one of the domestic elites rounding out the field. Her success will be measured by a solid race execution and possibly lowering that 2:29 mark. Small’s participation highlights the depth of British women’s marathoning, as she helps push the pace for domestic competitors​.

• Eilish McColgan (Great Britain) – A much-anticipated debutante, McColgan is a Scottish distance running star making her first foray over 26.2 miles​. She is the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion at 10,000m​ and holds numerous British records on the track and road (including the 10K and half marathon). Eilish is the daughter of former London Marathon winner Liz McColgan, adding to the storyline. Her marathon debut has been long awaited after a couple of postponements due to injury. While it’s her first marathon, her pedigree suggests she could post a very competitive time – perhaps challenging the British debut record or even Paula Radcliffe’s UK record eventually down the line. Winning projection: Low – it’s rare for a debutant, even one of McColgan’s caliber, to win a major marathon against such a loaded field. Her focus will be on gaining experience and running a strong debut (even a time around 2:23–2:24 would be a huge success). The crowd will surely give her an extra boost as a hometown favorite making her marathon debut.

• Holly Archer (Great Britain) – Archer is another debut marathon runner in this field. A middle-distance specialist on the track, she won a silver medal in the 1500m at the 2021 European Indoor Championships (representing GB). Transitioning to the marathon, Holly will be looking to simply finish strong and learn from the experience. Her entry adds an interesting element, as she’s relatively untested at long distances. Winning projection: Very low – Archer’s goal is completion and a respectable time for a debut. Given her track speed background, she may have an aggressive early approach but the key will be managing the distance. For her, a finish in the 2:30s would be a good stepping stone in this new event.

Each of these athletes brings their own story and strengths to the 2025 London Marathon. The battle for the win is expected to be fierce among the world’s best – particularly Chepngetich, Assefa, Hassan, and Jepchirchir, who collectively hold Olympic titles, world records, and multiple major wins​l. Experts predict a blistering pace from the start, given that three women in this field have run under 2:14 – something unprecedented in women’s marathoning​l. It’s a race where the world record could even be in play again, considering the depth of talent. Meanwhile, the rest of the elite field will be contesting national honors, personal bests, and top-10 finishes, ensuring plenty of intriguing subplots all the way through. Marathon fans are in for a treat on April 27, as this star-studded group of women delivers what could be a historic race in London​.

Sources: Official London Marathon announcements and media previews, World Athletics records and rankings, and reputable sports outlets​ All the data and projections above are based on recent performances, world rankings, and expert analyses leading up to the race. Let the race begin! 🏅🗼