World Champion Jepchirchir Withdraws from London Marathon Due to Injury

Reigning world marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has pulled out of the upcoming London Marathon after suffering an injury that disrupted her preparations.

Race organisers confirmed that the Kenyan star will miss the April 26 event due to a stress fracture, which delayed the start of her training schedule and ultimately left her short of peak fitness.

Jepchirchir, 32, said she only resumed training in late January following the injury and acknowledged she would not be able to compete at the high level required for one of the world’s most prestigious marathons.

The Olympic gold medallist and 2024 London Marathon winner had been among the top contenders for this year’s race, especially after claiming the world championship title in 2025. Her withdrawal marks another setback, having also missed last year’s London Marathon due to an ankle injury.

Her absence is a significant blow to the women’s elite field, which has also lost another major name, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, who withdrew due to an Achilles injury.

With two of the biggest stars now out, analysts say the women’s race is wide open, creating opportunities for emerging contenders to shine on one of athletics’ biggest stages.

The London Marathon, one of the World Marathon Majors, is expected to attract tens of thousands of runners and global attention despite the high-profile withdrawals.