This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.
Kenya's women's marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei is set to defend her London Marathon title on April 26, 2020. The 25-year-old Kosgei broke the world record in Chicago last October, finishing in 2 hours 14 minutes 4 seconds.
Organisers announced on Monday that Kosgei will face a strong challenge from several compatriots, including 2018 London Marathon winner Vivian Cheruiyot, three-time Berlin Marathon champion Gladys Cherono, current world champion Ruth Chepngetich, and Joyciline Jepkosgei, the 2019 New York City Marathon champion.
"Last year was an incredible year for me and it started by winning in London," Kosgei said in a statement. "Coming back will be very special and I hope it can be the start of another memorable year."
"Last year was an incredible year for me and it started by winning in London," said Kosgei in a statement issued by the organisers. Spencer Barden, head of elite athletes at the London Marathon, expressed his anticipation for the race. "Brigid's run at the Chicago Marathon was one of the most remarkable athletic performances of recent years," he said. "Paula Radcliffe's world record had stood for so long and was one of the great markers in modern athletics so for Brigid to beat it and beat it so comprehensively was incredible," Barden added.
