The London Marathon has always been one jewel in the crown of distance running. It brings together the best marathoners annually to conjure dramatic finishes and historical performances. The 2025 edition will be special, though. It might also be one of the most competitive in history. Even World Athletics took to social media, posting about the upcoming “Clash of the Titans” featuring the sport’s biggest names. One of whom is Sifan Hassan.

The field will have Olympians, record holders, and long-distance greats. And among them is one Sifan Hassan. Sifan is a double Olympic gold medalist and a marathon world maestro. From an unexpected first win in London to her record time in Chicago, Hassan has always shifted eyes.  But this time, she is facing the biggest test yet. A field packed with champions who are eager to deny her another moment of marathon glory.

Sifan Hassan’s new goal meets its toughest test

Sifan Hassan made an unbelievable entry into the marathon scene. Despite facing cramps, she took to the roads, winning the 2023 London Marathon on her debut to show that her move from the track was not a fluke. Later that year, she followed it with another major win in Chicago and a Dutch national record. She is back in London now, but her eyes are set on something new this time. While she has not stated her target, many believe she is gunning for the course or world record. But here is the catch. She has to get through the most packed lineup in the history of the London Marathon.

Hasan has acknowledged the challenge she is up against: “My focus is always on getting the best out of myself. My runs at the London Marathon and at the Paris Olympic Games were really satisfying and show the hard work is paying off. I love racing the London Marathon because it brings together the best athletes in the world.”

Sifan Hassan added, “I want to be racing these guys on the big occasions, and London provides that opportunity. I have three marathons of experience now, and I’m still learning about the event, which makes me even more excited and positive about the future. I’m looking forward to putting in a good block of training and seeing what I can do.”

Twitter is roaring at this prospect. But, I mean, why not? The field includes Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia, who holds the Women’s Marathon World Record of 11:53; Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya, a former World Champion and 2:14 marathoner; Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya, an Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist; and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, a London and Chicago Marathon winner and Olympic Legend.

For Hassan, the test doesn’t have as much endurance as experts. Both Assefa and Chepngetich have broken barriers in marathon running. While Jepchirchir is a tactical genius who thrives in high-stakes races. And in London, Hassan will need to out-strategize, outlast, and out last some of the best marathoners in history.

A clash of Titans-London Marathon unparalleled field

For a race always featuring the elites, this year’s London Marathon might be among the most rehearsed women’s marathon fields of all time: a mix of Olympic women’s champions, world record holders, and major marathon winners. The combination that finally makes this a racing spectacle for every running fan across the globe. The dynamics will make for an interesting race this year.

We have Olympic champ Jepchirchir’s strength, which she has used for many blistering finishes. We also have the ravenous Assefa, who breaks records for fun. This includes her record as the fastest woman in marathon history. Chepngetich, on the other hand, enjoys making things hard for others. While Sifan Hassan is known for her speed. The same speed that has won her so much. But can she do it again?

Sifan Hassan has always thrived on challenges. From winning Olympic golds on the track to storming onto the marathon scene and taking down seasoned road runners, she’s never been one to back down. But this? This might be her biggest test yet. Facing world record holders, Olympic champions, and marathon specialists, the 2025 London Marathon is the ultimate proving ground for Hassan’s ambitions. Can she pull off another stunning victory, or will this be the race where her competitors finally stop her dominance?

One thing’s for sure—the London Marathon on April 27th is unmissable.