Shock as Kenenisa Bekele Reportedly Withdraws from Highly-Anticipated Showdown with Eliud Kipchoge
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The world was waiting to see the clash between Kenenisa Bekele and Eliud Kipchoge, perhaps for one last time at the London Marathon, but that might not happen following the recent developments.
The London Marathon comes up on Sunday, April 27, having assembled some of the strongest fields, but withdrawals have already started being witnessed.
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Defending champion Peres Jepchirchir and world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich have already withdrawn from the women’s race with the latest news being about Kenenisa Bekele.
No Kenenisa Bekele vs Eliud Kipchoge in London
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There has been no official announcement of Kenenisa Bekele’s withdrawal from the London Marathon organisers, but he is nowhere to be seen on the start list.
A tweet shared by James Rhodes confirmed that, indeed, the Ethiopian legend might not be lining up against Eliud Kipchoge.
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“Exclusive (?): Kenenisa Bekele is not on the elite field on the London Marathon live results page,” he shared.
From the official London Marathon start list, Kenenisa Bekele’s name has been omitted. He has been to the London Marathon a couple of times, winning silver on two editions, in 2024 and 2017. He also claimed a bronze medal at the 2016 London Marathon.
Upon his confirmation for the 2025 edition of the marathon, Kenenisa Bekele expressed honour to have been selected to run alongside long-time rival Eliud Kipchoge.
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“It is an honour to be returning to the TCS London Marathon and to be part of such an incredible line-up,” Kenenisa Bekele said as per the race organisers.
“The London Marathon is a special event which brings together the best marathon runners in the world and I just love being part of it.
“Of course, it will be special to once again run against Eliud, we have enjoyed some fantastic moments racing one another over the past 22 years, and I’m looking forward to that continuing at the TCS London Marathon.”
Who will Eliud Kipchoge run against now?
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Following Kenenisa Bekele’s withdrawal, Eliud Kipchoge will still face strong opposition as he will be up against defending champion Alex Mutiso.
Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, Sabastian Sawe and debutant Jacob Kiplimo, who reclaimed his world half marathon record at the Barcelona Half Marathon will also be in the mix.