Ruth Chepngetich and Peres Jepchirchir withdraw from London Marathon
The women's world record holder, Ruth Chepngetich, and the reigning champion, Peres Jepchirchir, have withdrawn from the London Marathon, organisers said on Friday, less than two weeks before the race.
Kenyan Chepngetich broke the women's record in Chicago last year, running 2hr 9min 56sec to become the first woman to break 2:10, and had hoped to improve on that time in London on April 27. 'I'm not in the right place mentally or physically to race my best in London and I am therefore withdrawing,' she said in a statement. 'I am very sad to miss the race and I hope to be back next year.'
Her compatriot Jepchirchir, a three-times major winner who took Olympic gold in Tokyo four years ago, has an ankle injury. 'I am focused on getting healthy again and hope to return to London again in the future when I'm fully fit,' she said.
Sign up to The Recap
The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action
after newsletter promotion
Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya, the 2018 winner, is a late addition to the field.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Chronicle
2 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Andy Murray apologises for ‘diabolical' state of his tennis at Queen's ceremony
Centre court was officially inaugurated as the Andy Murray Arena on Monday ahead of the venue's new WTA 500 event, the first time the west London venue has hosted women's tennis in 52 years. Retired three-time grand slam winner Murray, a long-time champion of the women's game, won the HSBC Championships singles title five times at Queen's, most recently in 2016. He's here and he's perfect 🤗@andy_murray unveils the Andy Murray Arena at The Queen's Club #HSBCChampionships — HSBC Championships (@QueensTennis) June 9, 2025 'My tennis is diabolical, apologies for what you are about to witness,' said the 38-year-old before pairing up with Gloria, 10, for the ceremonial two-round rally against Laura Robson, who won an Olympic silver medal alongside Murray in 2012, and Jay, 7. The 38-year-old announced before last summer's Olympic Games in Paris he would bid farewell at Roland Garros and, after opting to withdraw from the singles competition – a title he had won in 2012 and 2016 – Murray bowed out with a 6-2 6-4 defeat alongside Dan Evans. 'I've obviously missed being out here,' he said. 'It's the first time, obviously, not being involved in a grass court season for a while, but I've got a new life now and I'm enjoying being away from the sport a little bit.' Murray, whose biography on X reads 'I played tennis. I now play golf', also provided an update on his new sporting pursuit. He said: 'I was playing at the club championships yesterday at my local club. I was in my final group on the last day and didn't quite manage to get it done. Unfortunately, I was tied second going into the final day, but didn't get it done. 'But I'll come back next year and try again. But playing a bit of golf, enjoying that, and spending as much time with the family and kids as I can.' The Scotsman also revealed he has a special connection to this event – he was coached as a 12 and 13-year-old by Russian Olga Morozova, the last women's singles winner here in 1973. 'I think it's brilliant,' said Murray, when asked about the return of women's tennis to Queen's. 'This court has had many great matches on it. I think it's a great chance for women to showcase themselves out there.' Some things just look right…😍☀️ Honouring our greatest ever champion, Sir @andy_murray #HSBCChampionships | @QueensTennis — LTA (@the_LTA) June 8, 2025 The former world number one first competed in the main draw at Queen's as an 18-year-old and for the last time last season before retiring in Paris. He also claimed the doubles trophy in 2019 alongside Feliciano Lopez. Murray added: 'This tournament has so many special moments for me. It's the place where I won my first match on the ATP Tour, it's my most successful event. 'Coming back here at the start of the British summer and I'm very proud of the results I have here. 'I'm very grateful and thankful for whoever it was who decided to name the stadium this way. I hope there's lots of great matches and you all enjoy the tennis.'
Leader Live
2 hours ago
- Leader Live
HMS Dragon sailors set to come to Wrexham this week
Friday (June 13), will see crew members of the Royal Navy vessell celebrate their Freedom of the City for the first time, after they were granted the honour last December. In doing so, HMS Dragon joined Wrexham Football Club, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Royal Welsh (formerly the Royal Welch Fusiliers), North Wales Police double Olympic gold medal-winning rower Tom James and former Prime Minister David Lloyd George among those honoured with the Freedom of the County Borough. The sailors will arrive onto Llwyn Isaf green (outside the Guildhall) at 10.40am, before marching through the city centre. The ship is the first since the Second World War to be affiliated with Wrexham, and the partnership was sealed at a ceremony in Portsmouth back in April 2024. TOP STORIES TODAY The ship is one of the Royal Navy's advanced Type 45 air defence destroyers, and is instantly recognisable with her roaring Welsh Dragons emblazoned across her bows. North Wales Police have warned that there will likely be 'disruption' to parking in the city centre during the event on Friday. There will be a small number of road closures for a short period as a result, and access into and out of the Library and Waterworld car parks will be limited. Further details including timings and locations will be published later this week.
Belfast Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
NI sporting hero Daniel Wiffen ‘really proud' to donate £25k Olympic fund to former Armagh school
The swimmer (23) made history last July after becoming the first Northern Ireland athlete to win an individual gold medal since 1972. He won gold in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1,500m freestyle for Team Ireland in the French capital. Sharing photos as he returned to old school St Patrick's Grammar in Armagh, the athlete was pictured with current pupils at the school and the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin. In a post on social media, Wiffen said: 'From Armagh to Paris and back again. 'Really proud to donate my full £25,000 Olympic Legacy fund to St Patrick's Grammar School Armagh – the school that believed in me from the very beginning. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. "Their support meant everything on my journey to becoming an Olympic Champion 'When I heard about the Legacy of Paris programme, I knew straight away where the funding should go. The school had plans for a new gym to support local athletes, but funding was a challenge. This donation helped bring that vision to life. News Catchup - Monday 9th June 2025 'It was a special moment to return with my brothers Nathan Wiffen and Ben Wiffen to open the new facility – one that will inspire future swimmers, GAA stars, hurlers, hoopers and more 'Massive thanks to Mr Clarke, Archbishop Eamon Martin and the whole school community for the warm welcome and continued belief. 'Legacy isn't just about medals — it's about giving others the chance to dream too.'
