Sports 23 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kiplimo and Cheptegei Lead Uganda's Charge at 2026 London Marathon
Ugandan stars Jacob Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei are among the top contenders for the 2026 London Marathon, with Kiplimo aiming to topple defending champion Sebastian Sawe and Cheptegei targeting a strong debut. The event expects over 59,000 runners, surpassing last year's record finishers. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/athletics/kiplimo-cheptegei-among-favourites-for-london-marathon--5432416
The 46th London Marathon kicks off on April 26 as the third leg of the 2026 World Marathon Majors series. Last year’s edition shattered records with 56,640 finishers over the 26.2-mile course, and this year anticipates even more with over 59,000 starters.
In the men’s elite race, Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe seeks to defend his title from 2025, clocked in 2:02:27—the second-fastest time on the course. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, half-marathon world record holder, placed second on his marathon debut last year and returns as a major threat.
Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta and Olympic champion Tamirat Tola add depth, while Joshua Cheptegei—fresh off 10,000m gold at Paris 2024 for his third Olympic medal—aims to shine in his marathon effort. Kenya’s 2022 winner Amos Kipruto and Britain’s Mahamed Mahamed, the top local after a key withdrawal, complete the standout field.
Women’s defending champion Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia targets a repeat after her 2025 world record of 2:15:50 in the women-only category. She follows silvers from Paris 2024 and last year’s Worlds.
Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, 2021 winner and 2025 runner-up, challenges her, joined by Olympic bronze medallist Hellen Obiri and Uruguay’s Julia Paternain. Britain’s Eilish McColgan, who set a Scottish record last year, and Rose Harvey lead the home hopes.
Wheelchair races feature Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner chasing continued success.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)