The leading women’s contenders assess their prospects ahead of the 2024 TCS London Marathon
Tigst Assefa (ETH)
On racing the London Marathon for the first time:
“I’m happy to be here and I’ve had a very good reception. I’m very excited because I’ve been training well and feel ready to race on Sunday.”
On aiming to break the women-only world record:
“I’ve trained very well, just as I did for Berlin. We’ll see how well on Sunday but I’m sure I can beat the record, as I’m sure many of my competitors can too.
“I am very happy to be in London for the first time and very excited. My training has gone really well and I feel ready for the race.”
On her strategy for the race:
“Whether it’s London or Berlin, it’s the same for me. I won’t change my strategy. I’m here to win.”
On reactions to her world record victory in Berlin last September:
“I was very happy to break it and I got a lot of praise and encouragement from people around me. That was very important for me and has given me confidence.”
On her hopes for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer:
“I would like to take part but the competition in Ethiopia will be very, very tough, just as it is in Kenya.”
Brigid Kosgei (KEN)
On returning to the London Marathon after dropping out last year:
“Last year, I wasn’t well but this year I’ve come ready to race well again. I’ve prepared well in Kenya and I’ll be ready to do my best on Sunday. I’m happy to be here again.”
On her hopes for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer:
“It’s very difficult to make the Kenyan team so it depends how they do the selection. It will be hard.”
Ruth Chepngetich (KEN)
On her second London Marathon after placing third in 2020:
“I’m happy to be back after that race in 2020. I’m ready to run well, but the field is so strong.”
On whether the women-only world record will go on Sunday:
“Everybody here is chasing something. For me it’s about winning first, then I’ll think about setting records.”
On her hopes for the Olympic Games in Paris this summer:
“The Federation will make its selection after Sunday so we’ll see. But winning in London will be harder than in Paris.”
Peres Jepchirchir (KEN)
On her chances of winning after placing third last year:
“It will be tough. I was happy to be third last year and this time I’m feeling better.
“I had to miss the New York City Marathon last year because of injury. I’m in good health now but the field here is so strong. I think the world record is definitely on. After that, may the best one win.”
On defending her Olympic title in Paris this summer:
“My plan and my prayer this year is to defend my title in Paris. I’m hoping to be among those selected to represent Kenya again. It will depend on what happens on Sunday and the field is tough. We’ll see.”
On what has changed since she won the Olympic gold three years ago:
“A lot has changed for me. I started believing in myself and I’ve worked extra hard. The challenges are always there with injuries but I’m still strong and believe in myself more and more.”