Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Clash of titans: World champion to face record holder in London

Kenya's Brigid Kosgei crosses the finish line to win the elite women's race of the 2019 London Marathon in central London on April 28, 2019.

Photo credit: Ben Stansall | AFP

What you need to know:

  • Kosgei, who is making her third appearance in London, and Chepng’etich, who is not only making her maiden show in London but also in World Marathon Majors, will have company in 2018 London Marathon winner Vivian Cheruiyot and 2019 Frankfurt marathon champion Valary Aiyabei
  • While men’s focus will be on the two fastest men in history- defending champion and world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele, the pacesetters will equally be a point of interest

Defending champion and world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei will face off with World marathon champion Ruth Chepng'etich in the women’s race of London Marathon on October 4.

Kosgei, who is making her third appearance in London, and Chepng’etich, who is not only making her maiden show in London but also in World Marathon Majors, will have company in 2018 London Marathon winner Vivian Cheruiyot and 2019 Frankfurt marathon champion Valary Aiyabei.

Kenya's Brigid Kosgei smiles after winning the women's 2019 Bank of America Chicago Marathon with the World Record on October 13 2019 in Chicago, Illinois.


Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski | AFP

According to the revised entry list by the organisers, the Kenyans have a battle at hand against three Ethiopians Roza Dereje, who finished third last year, 2019 Berlin Marathon winner Ashete Bekere and Degitu Azimiraw.

Four Kenyan rabbits - Pauline Kaveke, Sandrafelis Chebet, Lydia Mathathi and Nancy Jelagat - are among those entitled to push the field. 

Kenya's Ruth Chepng'etich competes in the Women's Marathon at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha on September 27, 2019.

Photo credit: Karim Jaafar | AFP

While men’s focus will be on the two fastest men in history- defending champion and world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele, the pacesetters will equally be a point of interest.

Olympic 10,000m and 5,000m champion Mo Farah is among the pacesetters who include Kenyans Noah Kipkemboi, Victor Chumo, Eric Kiptanui, Alfred Barkach and Shadrack Kimining.