London Marathon Preview and Where to Watch
Yalemzerf Yehualaw will look to recreate the magic of her dazzling 2022 campaign as she seeks to regain the women’s elite title at the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 21 April.
The 24-year-old Ethiopian boasts a formidable record on the roads. Yehualaw is a former owner of the world 10km record and sits number two on the all-time lists for the women’s half marathon following her spellbinding 1:03:51 in Valencia the previous year.
After setting a dazzling Ethiopian record (since surpassed) of 2:17:23 to win in Hamburg on her marathon debut in 2022 later that year she produced, arguably, the greatest race of her career to win in London in 2:17:26 despite suffering a heavy fall with around 10km remaining.
Last year the ever-smiling athlete could not quite match the fireworks of 2022 but in the defence of her London Marathon title still managed to place a highly respectable fifth (2:18:53) and later matched that finishing position at the World Championships marathon in Budapest.
She will once again face a loaded field in the historic British capital but has the ability to once again challenge for the podium.
Four NN Running Team athletes take to the start line in the men’s elite race headed by Leul Gebresilase – one of the most consistent marathoners on the global circuit. Setting his marathon PB of 2:04:02 in Dubai in 2018 he has dipped under 2:06 on seven further occasions including at each of the past two editions of the London Marathon when second (2:05:12) in 2022 and fourth last year, when clocking 2:05:45. Boosted by winning a World Championship marathon bronze medal on the streets of Budapest last August he should also prove a strong challenger for a spot on the medal dais.
Daniel Mateiko has proved an outstanding performer over the half marathon distance and he will be seeking to convert that ability over the 42.2km. The 25-year-old Kenyan – who dropped out just after 35km on his marathon debut in Chicago last October - has recorded a sub-59 minute half marathon time on seven occasions - most recently when winning the highly competitive Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in 58:45 in February - and it will make compelling viewing to see how he fares.
Home athlete Marc Scott is a former NCAA 10,000m champion and World Indoor 3000m bronze medallist and the Briton will seek to translate his sub-13 minute 5000m speed into a positive showing on his long-awaited marathon debut.
Former World Championships steeplechaser Abel Sikowo is also entered. The Ugandan set his marathon PB of 2:10:33 last December in Valencia.
Race Details
The TCS London Marathon, the third and last of the spring Abbott World Marathon Majors, regular provides some of the most competitive marathon fields in the global marathon calendar.
Regarded as a flat, fast course the race starts in Greenwich Park and later winds its way past the Cutty Sark before hitting Tower Bridge at around halfway. Later providing views of Big Ben and the London Eye the race finishes on The Mall close to Buckingham Palace. The weather forecast currently predicts partly cloudy conditions and temperatures of between 9-12C.
How and When to Watch
Viewers in the UK can follow all the action on the BBC. More international broadcast information will be available at www.tcslondonmarathon.com.