The women’s field at the 2026 London Marathon has taken a significant hit, with world champion Peres Jepchirchir withdrawing ahead of the April 26 race.
Jepchirchir cited a stress fracture sustained after her second-place finish at the Valencia Marathon in December, an injury that delayed her training until late January. It marks the second consecutive year she will miss London, having also sat out in 2025 with an ankle issue.
Her withdrawal follows that of Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, who pulled out earlier this month due to an Achilles injury — leaving the race without its two biggest names.
Even so, the field retains depth. Defending champion Tigst Assefa lines up alongside multiple major winner Hellen Obiri, ensuring the race remains highly competitive despite the late reshuffle.