London Marathon 2025: Race chief makes big Eliud Kipchoge prediction before legend's return

Tributes will be paid to Eliud Kipchoge when he lines up at Sunday's TCS London Marathon but race organisers are not ruling out the veteran returning again next year.

Four-time winner Kipchoge, 40, is not fancied to win this weekend and the race is widely being viewed as the start of a farewell tour.

And race chief Hugh Brasher says the Kenyan icon will be celebrated , even though he reckons it is too early to confirm it as his last dance around the capital.

“Eliud has been the most unbelievable ambassador for the sport and the London Marathon,” Brasher said. “We’re so delighted he is back. Do we intend to honour him? Yes, we do. Do I think this is his last London? I hope not. But I really look forward to whatever he’ll do on the day.”

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If this is Kipchoge's bow, the torch is expected to be passed to debutant Jacob Kiplimo. The Ugandan obliterated the half marathon record by close to a minute in Barcelona in February and Brasher reckons he could be the man to break the mythical two-hour barrier.

“Kiplimo will be the most fascinating debut ever,” Brasher added. “It’s unpredictable. Is it feasible that he could take ’s record as fastest debutant? Without a doubt. What’s he going to do? I’ve no idea.

“I don’t know whether he’ll go through (halfway) in 60 minutes, 61 or 62 minutes, whatever, but that could be four minutes slower than his half marathon time. When you compare his half marathon time to Eliud, it is so much quicker.

But it’s not just about that speed. Geoffrey Kamworor is a fantastic athlete who was world record holder for the half marathon quite a few years ago. But his engine doesn’t work as well in running a marathon.

What Eliud can do is he’s more of a diesel engine who chugs and chugs and chugs at an incredible speed, burning carbohydrates slowly. Is that Jacob? I’ve no idea. “His coach will know but I’m just delighted he’s chosen to debut here.

"Sebastian Sawe won in Valencia with his debut, the second fastest time as Kelvin, and now you have Jacob coming in. It’ll be fascinating. Do I think Jacob could be the athlete who runs under two hours? Yes but let’s see what happens on Sunday.”

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