Ethiopian Athlete, Tigst Assefa is poised for victory at her debut London Marathon which will take place on Sunday 21st April 2024.
The 27-year-old Assefa holds the women’s world record, achieved with a remarkable time of two hours, eleven minutes, and fifty-three seconds during the Berlin Marathon in September.
Her sights are set on shattering the London Marathon record of 2:17:01, established by Kenya’s Mary Keitany in 2017. Assefa expresses confidence stating that “God will demonstrate my prowess. My preparation has been meticulous, and I am confident in my ability to surpass the course record.”
Undeterred by the change in venue from Berlin to London, Assefa remains steadfast in her strategy. She will face tough competition from Kenya’s formidable trio: Brigid Kosgei, Ruth Chepngetich and Olympic champion, Peres Jepchirchir, as well as Ethiopia’s 2022 London Marathon winner, Yalemzerf Yehualaw.
Kosgei, a two-time London Marathon champion and one of the fastest women in history over the distance, expresses her readiness and joy in returning to the event, having prepared diligently in Kenya.
Among the competitors are also Great Britain’s athletes, including Becky Briggs, Alice Wright, Anya Culling, Rachel Hodgkinson, Helen Gaunt, Mhairi Maclennan, and Lucy Reid, adding to the anticipated excitement of Sunday’s race.
