Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa to Lead Star‑Studded Elite Fields at 2026 TCS London Marathon

Addis Ababa, January 30, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s long‑distance sensation Tigst Assefa will return on 26 April 2026 to defend her title at the prestigious TCS London Marathon, headlining one of the strongest women’s elite fields in recent history.

Assefa, the defending champion and women‑only marathon world record holder, set her personal best of 2:11:53 and owns the women‑only world record of 2:15:50 from last year’s race.

Since 2022, she has dominated international marathons with wins in Berlin and London, earned world and Olympic silver medals, and finished in the top two in all six of her most recent marathon races.

In the 2026 women’s elite field, Assefa will face fierce rivals including Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands and world champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya. Also entered are Kenya’s former fastest marathoner Joyciline Jepkosgei and two‑time Boston and New York champion Hellen Obiri.

Other Ethiopian women in the elite start list include Degitu Azimeraw and Balemelay Shumet, joining Assefa in representing Ethiopia in a highly competitive women’s race.

The elite men’s lineup has also been officially confirmed, with several Ethiopian athletes leading the entries. Among them, Deresa Geleta stands out with a personal best of 2:02:38, ranking him among the fastest marathoners in history.

Olympic marathon champion Tamirat Tola and Yomif Kejelcha, making his marathon debut after a distinguished track career, are also entered. Hagos Gebrhiwet will make his marathon debut as well.

Key athletes from other countries completing the men’s elite field include defending champion Sabastian Sawe of Kenya, who won last year’s race in 2:02:27, and Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, the 2025 runner‑up, world half‑marathon record holder, and Chicago Marathon champion.

Kenya’s Amos Kipruto, Germany’s Amanal Petros — silver medallist at the 2025 World Championships — and Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei, Olympic 10,000m champion and world record holder on the track, are among the other elite entries.