Running News Daily

Emile Cairess Withdraws from London Marathon Due to Injury, Halting Record Pursuit

Top British marathoner Emile Cairess has officially withdrawn from the 2025 TCS London Marathon due to a persistent ankle tendon injury that has derailed his training. The setback forces the 27-year-old to put his pursuit of Mo Farah’s British marathon record of 2:05:11 on hold as he focuses on recovery.

Cairess, who burst onto the marathon scene as the fastest British debutant of all time in 2023 with a 2:08:07 finish, had since lowered his personal best to 2:06:46, securing third place in last year’s London Marathon behind Alex Mutiso and Kenenisa Bekele. He followed that success with a fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics, further solidifying his status as one of Britain’s brightest distance-running stars.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to miss London this year, especially after how well things had been progressing,” Cairess shared. “But the ankle injury has made it impossible to maintain the consistency I need. Right now, my focus is on healing properly so I can come back stronger.”

Star-Studded Field Remains

While Cairess’s absence is a blow to British hopes, the men’s elite field remains stacked with talent. Eliud Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele, and Olympic champion Tamirat Tola are set to headline the race, joined by world half-marathon record-holder Jacob Kiplimo and defending champion Alex Mutiso.

On the British front, Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee will make his highly anticipated marathon debut, while Mahamed Mahamed and Phil Sesemann, both fresh from the Paris Olympics, aim to make their mark on home soil.

Women’s Elite Race Draws Global Talent

In the women’s race, Lucy Reid has also withdrawn due to injury after initially planning her London debut following a breakthrough 2:26:35 in Malaga last December. However, the competition remains fierce, with world record-holder Ruth Chepngetich, reigning Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, and Tigst Assefa—who famously shattered the Berlin Marathon record—leading the charge.

Adding to the excitement, defending champion Peres Jepchirchir will return, while British star Eilish McColgan is set to make her long-awaited marathon debut, bringing further domestic interest to the race.

While Cairess’s withdrawal is undoubtedly disappointing, the marathon season is far from over. With careful rehabilitation, he remains hopeful for a return later this year, possibly targeting the Berlin or Chicago Marathons as alternative stages for his record pursuit.

The London Marathon, meanwhile, continues to promise world-class performances, with a stellar field ready to light up the streets of the British capital come race day.