Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa and the Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan, who were involved in a dramatic moment during the Women’s Marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, are set to meet again -this time at the iconic London Marathon tomorrow. Their unexpected collision on August 11, 2024, captured global attention, and now the two distance-running stars will once again share the course. With both athletes eager to leave Paris behind and focus on new victories, all eyes will be on London for what promises to be a memorable showdown.

Sifan Hassan won gold in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, setting an Olympic record of 2:22:55 and completing a remarkable medal treble. She held off Tigist Assefa in a thrilling sprint finish, with Tigist taking silver in 2:22:58. In a thrilling showdown between the two fastest women’s marathoners, the pair clashed elbows with 150m to go, with Tigist appearing to block Sifan’s path. Although Ethiopia lodged a protest for obstruction, the Jury of Appeal dismissed it.

Another strong contender is Vivian Cheruiyot, the 2018 London Marathon champion and 2016 Rio Olympics 5,000m gold medallist, who is also set to compete. Meanwhile, women’s world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich has been ruled out with injury.

As for the men, Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola — the Paris 2024 marathon gold medallist and 2022 world champion — is the big draw, alongside Jacob Kiplimo, the half-marathon world record-holder, who will be making his marathon debut. Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso, last year’s winner, returns to defend his title.