Four of the six fastest women in marathon history will collide at the 2026 London Marathon as Tigst Assefa faces Sifan Hassan and Peres Jepchirchir in a race that could redefine women’s distance running.

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A Historic Battle Awaits as Marathon Queens Converge in London

The 2026 London Marathon is shaping up to be one of the greatest races in the history of women’s distance running. On Sunday, 26 April, the streets of the British capital will host a showdown between four of the six fastest women marathoners of all time. At the heart of it all stands reigning champion Tigst Assefa, eager to defend her crown and relive the magic of her record-breaking triumph.

But the Ethiopian star will not have it easy.

Waiting for her are two of the most formidable rivals in modern athletics: Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands and world champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya. Joining them is Joyciline Jepkosgei, another elite Kenyan whose speed and consistency make her a genuine threat.

This is not just another marathon. It is a collision of legacies, pride, and unfinished business.

Assefa’s Quest for Redemption

Assefa arrives in London with confidence and hunger in equal measure. Last year, she stunned the world by winning in 2:15:50, setting a women-only world record—an extraordinary achievement in a race run without male pacemakers.

“Winning last year’s London Marathon and setting a women-only world record was one of the proudest moments of my career,” Assefa said. “I want to repeat that again this year.”

But beneath that calm determination lies a fierce desire for redemption.

In the past two major global championships, Assefa has tasted heartbreak. Both times, she was outkicked in dramatic sprint finishes—first by Hassan, then by Jepchirchir. Each defeat came by the narrowest of margins, robbing her of gold at the very last moment.

“To win again, I know I will have to beat great champions like Peres and Sifan,” she admitted. “They have been tough competitors for me and we have had some great battles. I hope that this year I can come out on top.”

Those battles have already become part of marathon folklore.

A Golden Era for Women’s Marathon Running

Women’s marathon running is experiencing a golden age.

For decades, Paula Radcliffe’s legendary world record of 2:15:25 stood as an untouchable benchmark. From its setting in 2003 until 2019, no woman in history ran faster. Then, almost suddenly, the barrier fell—and fell again.

In the past seven years alone, eight women have broken Radcliffe’s mark.

Assefa herself shattered expectations with a staggering 2:11:53 in Berlin in 2023, briefly holding the outright women’s world record. She remains the second-fastest female marathoner in history.

Sifan Hassan owns a personal best of 2:13:44. Joyciline Jepkosgei has run 2:14:00. Peres Jepchirchir boasts 2:14:43.

These are not just fast runners. They are pioneers pushing the boundaries of human endurance.

Only one woman has gone faster than Assefa—Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, who clocked 2:09:56 in Chicago in 2024. However, Chepngetich was later banned for three years after admitting to anti-doping violations following a positive test in March last year. While her pre-ban performances still stand in the record books, her absence leaves Assefa as the fastest active woman in the world.

The result? London becomes the epicentre of women’s marathon history.

Rivalries That Define Careers

What makes this race truly compelling is not just the speed—it is the rivalry.

Assefa, Hassan, and Jepchirchir have met at the highest level, with championships decided by metres, not minutes. Each has denied the other glory. Each has something to prove.

Hassan is renowned for her fearless racing style and uncanny ability to surge when others fade. Jepchirchir is the embodiment of championship toughness, thriving in tactical battles. Assefa, meanwhile, brings devastating pace and relentless rhythm.

They represent three different philosophies of racing, converging on the same roads.

London has long been a stage for defining moments, and this year it promises another.

More Than a Race

Also confirmed for the elite women’s field is Uruguay’s Julia Paternain, who was raised in the UK and stunned the athletics world with an unexpected bronze last year. Her emotional podium finish became one of the feel-good stories of the race, and her return adds another layer of intrigue.

The announcement of this extraordinary women’s line-up follows the unveiling of elite British contenders, including Emile Cairess and Eilish McColgan. In the wheelchair events, Britain’s David Weir will attempt to prevent Swiss great Marcel Hug from equalling his record eight London Marathon victories.

But it is the women’s race that threatens to steal the show.

Four of the fastest women ever. Three global champions. One course. One crown.

A Day That Could Redefine History

The women-only world record is within reach again. So too is the possibility of one of the fastest races ever run on British soil.

Yet beyond the times and trophies lies something deeper. This race is about identity. About dominance. About who defines this era of marathon running.

For Assefa, it is a chance to prove that last year was not a moment, but a reign.
For Hassan, it is an opportunity to remind the world why she thrives on the biggest stages.
For Jepchirchir, it is about stamping her authority as the ultimate championship racer.

London will not simply host a marathon. It will host a reckoning.

On 26 April, the world will watch as history stretches across 26.2 miles. And by the time the finish tape breaks, one woman will stand alone—not just as the winner of London, but as the defining force of her generation.

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