Uganda’s long-distance duo Stella Chesang and Jacob Kiplimo are set to make their marathon debuts at the 2025 TCS London Marathon on Sunday, 27 April, marking a major milestone in their athletic careers and a significant moment for Ugandan athletics on the global stage.
Chesang, a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist over 10,000m, has steadily transitioned from the track to road racing over recent years.
Her entry into the London Marathon comes with a strong resume, including a marathon personal best of 2:18:26. With top contenders Ruth Chepngetich and Peres Jepchirchir having withdrawn from the race, the elite women’s field opens up for Chesang to stake her claim alongside some of the sport’s most accomplished athletes.
She will compete against the likes of Tigst Assefa, Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, and former London winner Vivian Cheruiyot.
In the men’s race, Jacob Kiplimo’s debut over 42.195km has been met with global anticipation. The reigning half marathon world record holder—having clocked 57:31 and more recently improved to 56:42 at the Barcelona Half Marathon—is stepping into the marathon distance for the first time.
With Kenyan great Kenenisa Bekele ruled out due to injury and eyes still on Eliud Kipchoge, Kiplimo enters a field brimming with talent, including defending champion Alexander Mutiso, Olympic gold medalist Tamirat Tola, and Sebastian Sawe, who made headlines with his 2:02:05 finish in Valencia.
There is speculation that Kiplimo could mount a serious challenge to Kelvin Kiptum’s world record of 2:00:35, or even approach the elusive sub-two-hour mark in an officially sanctioned race.
While it remains to be seen how he will fare in his first attempt at the distance, expectations are high for the 23-year-old star.
