Cairess and McColgan Gear Up for a Thrilling London Marathon

The 2025 London Marathon is shaping up to be an extraordinary event, with British athletes ready to showcase their talents on one of the world’s grandest stages.

Emile Cairess, who astoundingly placed third in last year's race, returns with ambitions not just to win but also to challenge the British marathon record of 2:05.11 held by Sir Mo Farah. Having clocked an impressive 2:06:46 in 2024, Cairess is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead:

"I had a great year in 2024 with some really positive results. I'm still learning about the event, which makes me even more excited and positive for the future," said Cairess, who has now established himself as the second-fastest British marathon runner in history.

Joining him on the start line will be fellow British stars such as Alex Yee, the Olympic and world triathlon champion, and renowned long-distance runner Tamirat Tola. The marathon, taking place on April 27, promises to be an exhilarating competition among elite athletes.

On the women’s side, Eilish McColgan, a prominent figure with a rich familial legacy in the London Marathon—her mother, Liz McColgan, was the champion in 1996—will finally make her highly anticipated marathon debut after an injury setback last year. McColgan will not be alone in her quest; she will compete against Charlotte Purdue, who ranks as the third-fastest British woman on record. Furthermore, the race features world-class competitors such as Ruth Chepngetich, the current world record holder, and Sifan Hassan, the Olympic champion.

Chepngetich, who made headlines in October 2024 by running the fastest marathon ever by a female athlete at the Chicago Marathon (2:09:57), expressed her eagerness for this year’s competition:

"The London Marathon always brings together the best athletes in the world. I didn't know (setting the world record in Chicago) was possible, but I came to realize that dreams can come true."

As excitement builds, fans will be keen to witness not just the potential personal records but also the prospect of a new world record being set. Chepngetich, alongside fellow elite competitors, aims to push the limits of women's marathon running:

"Myself, Peres [Jepchirchir] and the other women are strong, so it will be a competitive one. I want to prepare as best I can, and we will see if we can lower Peres' world record. With the strength of the field, I think we can support each other, and maybe the world record will fall."

Elite British Athletes Competing:

• Men: Emile Cairess, Alex Yee, Tamirat Tola, and more.
• Women: Eilish McColgan, Charlotte Purdue, and others.
• Wheelchair Men: David Weir, John Boy Smith, and more.
• Wheelchair Women: Eden Rainbow-Cooper, Jade Jones-Hall.

The anticipation for an exciting race underscores the London Marathon's reputation as a magnet for world-class talent. As April approaches, both participants and fans alike are preparing for an unforgettable day of athletic achievement.