Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo says he is ready to embrace the challenge of making his full marathon debut at the London Marathon this Sunday.
The 23-year-old, who holds the world record for the half marathon, will step up to the 42.195km distance for the first time in his career – and will do so against some of the sport’s biggest names, including Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge.
“I can say I am ready,” Kiplimo told reporters at a press conference ahead of race day.
Kiplimo’s credentials over shorter distances are impressive. He won bronze in the 10,000m at both the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 World Athletics Championships, and set the half marathon world record of 57:31 in 2021.
Despite the obvious step up in distance, Kiplimo is confident in his preparation.
“I remember 2019, when I was pacing Kipchoge,” he added, referring to the Ineos 1:59 Challenge where Kipchoge famously broke the two-hour barrier for the marathon under controlled conditions. “So for me it is a little bit amazing to now compete against one of the greatest runners in history.”
Kiplimo’s debut adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already stacked men’s field, with defending champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao, world half marathon champion Sabastian Sawe, and the legendary Kipchoge all set to feature.
The 45th edition of the London Marathon is expected to be one of the biggest yet, with organisers predicting over 56,000 finishers – a potential Guinness World Record.
“It’s going to be an incredible day,” said Hugh Brasher, event director for London Marathon Events. “We’ve got some absolutely stunning racing to look forward to.”
Brasher was quick to highlight Kiplimo as a standout to watch.
“He ran 56:42 for the half marathon – a world record by 48 seconds, the biggest improvement we’ve ever seen,” Brasher said. “You just never know what he’s going to do over the full marathon.”
The 2025 London Marathon takes runners on a famous route from Blackheath through Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and the City of London, finishing in front of Buckingham Palace. The event takes place this Sunday, 27 April.
