2025 London Marathon: Will This Be the Year of the Sub-Two Hour Marathon?
The anticipation for the 2025 London Marathon has reached new heights with the announcement of one of the strongest elite marathon fields ever assembled. This year’s race could witness history: the first-ever sub-two-hour marathon in an official competition. With world-class talent toeing the line and conditions often favorable in London, I'm excited to see how this race unfolds.
Leading the conversation is Jacob Kiplimo, the half marathon world record holder with an astonishing 56:42 recently. Kiplimo didn't need pacers during his world record run. He just went for it clocking unbelievable splits. One of his 10k split would be his best time ever for that distance. And no one had ever run 15k under 40 minutes before. But the marathon is twice the distance. What will his strategy be for London? Will he use his blistering speed over the full 42K and go out on his own or will he stay with the pack for at least the half way point? Going to be interesting to see what that split will be. I am thinking 59 minutes or even faster. Kiplimo might not only win but push the clock into uncharted territory. But there will be so much talent on the starting line.
The Favorites: Kiplimo, Bekele, and Kipchoge Lead the Charge
While Kiplimo's marathon debut grabs headlines, legends like Kenenisa Bekele and Eliud Kipchoge are far from conceding victory.
Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda enters London as the favorite, thanks to his incredible speed. The big question is whether he can maintain that pace for twice the distance.
Kenenisa Bekele, with a personal best of 2:01:41, proved last year he’s still elite, setting the Masters world record (2:04:15) in London. Bekele is chasing both victory and history, knowing his window for breaking the two-hour barrier is narrowing.
Eliud Kipchoge returns to London, where he’s won four titles. At 40 years old, Kipchoge remains focused, though he now races in the shadow of Kelvin Kiptum's world record of 2:00:35, set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
Rising Stars and Seasoned Champions
Beyond the favorites, an incredible field promises an unforgettable showdown.
Sabastian Sawe, with a personal best of 2:02:05, stunned the world by running the fastest debut marathon ever in Valencia. His aggressive racing style could drive the pace.
Timothy Kiplagat, clocking 2:02:55, thrives in fast-paced races and could be a dark horse if the leaders falter.
Alex Mutiso, the defending London Marathon champion with a best of 2:03:11, returns to prove his 2024 victory was no fluke.
Tamirat Tola, the reigning Olympic marathon gold medalist, has shown he can deliver under pressure, with a personal best of 2:03:39.
Abdi Nageeye, the 2021 NYC Marathon champion and Olympic silver medalist, is known for tactical brilliance and boasts a best of 2:04:45.
Breaking 2: Is It Possible in London 2025?
The two-hour barrier remains the sport’s ultimate milestone. While Kelvin Kiptum’s world record of 2:00:35 came heartbreakingly close, an official sub-two-hour marathon has yet to be achieved.
What makes London 2025 the perfect stage?
Stacked Field: With Kiplimo, Kipchoge, and Bekele pushing each other, the pace will be relentless.
Course Familiarity: The London course is flat, fast, and historic, where many records have fallen.
Optimal Conditions: London in April often provides the perfect cool weather for fast times.
Pacemakers: Expect world-class rabbits tasked with keeping the leaders on sub-2 pace through 30K.
A Race for the Ages
On April 27, 2025, I'll be watching closely. Will Jacob Kiplimo make history in his debut? Can Bekele turn back the clock? Will Kipchoge find one more magical performance? And—perhaps most importantly—will the sub-two-hour barrier finally fall in an official race?
One thing is certain: London 2025 promises a marathon showdown like no other.
I'm marking my calendar. History is calling.
posted Monday February 24th
by Bob Anderson