Fireworks are expected at the 2023 London Marathon slated for Sunday, April 23, in England.
For the first time in the history of marathons, some of the biggest names in long-distance running will square it out in one of the most popular events in the universe.
From the reigning world record holder Brigid Kosgei to 2020 Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, the entry for this year’s edition is simply insane.
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The Kenyan duo is the favourite going into the race, owing to their experience and stamina.
However, they would not be guaranteed a podium place finish since the other names in the entry list are capable of anything, including smashing the current world record.
The Ethiopian trio of former 5,000m world record holder Genzebe Dibaba, London Marathon defending champion Yalemzerf Yehualaw, and Tigisit Assefa have also been confirmed for the road race.
Some other big names expected to light up the streets of London include the 2022 World Athletics Championships silver medalist Judith Korir, multiple Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, Almaz Ayana, Sutume Kebede, Emily Sisson and United States international Keira D’Amato.
Korir surprised many people last year when she competed in three major marathons within six months.
Event director Hugh Brasher has described the entry as the greatest ever assembled in the rich history of long-distance running.
“This is quite simply the greatest women’s field ever assembled for a marathon – arguably the greatest field ever assembled for a women’s distance race.
"We have two reigning Olympic champions, three world record holders and multiple national record holders, in addition to an incredibly strong British contingent led by Eilish McColgan,” read part of his statement.
He added that the confirmed runners could break the current world record of 2:14.04 set by Kosgei at the 2019 Chicago Marathon.
“It’s going to be a race the whole world will be anticipating, and I can’t wait to see what happens on Sunday, 23 April. We’ve had a rich pedigree of incredible women’s results here in London.
"I am sure this amazing 2023 women’s field will provide another extraordinary chapter in the London Marathon’s rich and proud history of stunning races," ended Brasher.