London Marathon 2024: Elite runners, world record bids, GB athletes to watch, celebrities and weather

The elite women’s race will see three of the four fastest women in history go head to head in pursuit of victory – and perhaps a world record.

The women’s-only marathon world record of 2:17:01 set in London in 2017 is expected to come under threat, with Ethiopia’s world record holder Tigst Assefa leading the charge.

Assefa, who ran 2:11:53 at the Berlin Marathon in September, said she was “sure” she can beat the course record but stated: “I’m here to win.”

The 27-year-old will be joined by former record holder Brigid Kosgei, fellow Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir and 2022 London Marathon winner Yalemzerf Yehualaw.

In the men’s race, Ethiopian Tamirat Tola will seek to back up his New York City Marathon victory from November and improve on his third-place finish in London last year.

His competition includes compatriot Mosinet Geremew, ranked seventh-fastest in history, Valencia Marathon runner-up Alexander Mutiso Munyao and distance running great Kenenisa Bekele.