Kiplimo and Cheptegei to clash in historic London Marathon duel

Joshua Cheptegei

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Jacob Kiplimo

 2025 Chicago Marathon : 1st Place (2:02:23)

 2025 London marathon :2nd Place (2:03:37)  Debut

Uganda’s long-distance stars Jacob Kiplimo and Joshua Cheptegei will face each other in a marathon for the first time when they line up for the London Marathon on April 26, 2026.

The highly anticipated clash comes after both athletes transitioned from track racing, where they dominated global competitions, to road racing.

The London race will mark Cheptegei’s fourth marathon since making his debut in 2023, while Kiplimo will be competing in his third marathon since stepping up to the distance in 2025.

London holds special significance for Kiplimo. It was in the British capital that he made his marathon debut last year, finishing second in a time of 2:03:37 behind Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, who won in 2:02:27. Kiplimo now returns with unfinished business and will be eager to challenge Sawe again as he hunts for his first London Marathon victory.

For Cheptegei, this will be his first appearance in the London Marathon over the marathon distance. His last competitive outing in London was at the 2017 World Athletics Championships, where he finished third in the 10,000m as a teenager, signaling the start of what would become a glittering career on the track.

National team head coach Benjamin Njia believes the two Ugandan stars are well prepared for the challenge and capable of fighting for top honors.

“It will be one of the most exciting marathons we have seen in a long time,” Njia said. “This comes at a time when Cheptegei is working hard to improve his personal best in the marathon, and Jacob is also aiming higher. Kiplimo finished second in London last year, so he will be targeting victory this time, just like Joshua.”

With Sawe also confirmed for the race, the trio of Cheptegei, Kiplimo and Sawe is expected to headline what could be one of the most competitive London Marathons in recent years. Other major podium contenders include 2024 Olympic champion(marathon) Tamirat Tola   and Yomif Kejelcha from Ethiopia further raising the stakes.

Money at Stake

Beyond prestige and glory, athletes will also leave London with significant financial rewards, provided they finish among the top five.

The winner will take home sh196,000,000 (USD 55,000), while the runner-up will earn sh106,841,400 (USD 30,000). Third place will receive sh79,200,000 (USD 22,500).

Additional bonuses are available for exceptional performances. An athlete who sets a new course record will be awarded sh90,071,850 (USD 25,000), while breaking the world record attracts a massive bonus of sh450,359,250 (USD 125,000).

These incentives are expected to fuel fierce competition among the elite field as athletes chase both victory and lucrative rewards.

The 2026 edition will be the 46th staging of the London Marathon since its inception in 1981, and all signs point to a thrilling contest featuring some of the finest distance runners in the world. For Ugandan athletics, the showdown between Kiplimo and Cheptegei represents not only a battle for medals, but also a new chapter in their storied rivalry on the road.