[Sportsboom/Athletics Illustrated] Kenyan marathoner Alexander Mutiso Munyao has pledged to put the 2024 Paris Olympic Games heartbreak behind him. Now he plans to defend his London Marathon title with a new personal best time.
Mutiso was heavily regarded as a medal prospect in Paris, however, he fell short of expectations, finishing a disappointing 21st after clocking a 2:10:31 performance on the brutal hilly course that humbled many, including the then-defending champion Eliud Kipchoge.

However, Mutiso is promising a resounding comeback over the 42.195-kilometre (26.2 miles) distance. He seeks to retain the London Marathon crown and clock a personal best.
“It is very possible to defend my London title with a new Personal Best. I have enjoyed sufficient rest after the Paris Games. I took a break from full marathons after Paris to focus on winning London again and in a new time,” shared Munyao.
The 2025 London Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, with Mutiso and, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games champion, Peres Jepchirchir hoping to defend the titles they won in April 2024.
Mutiso outwitted legendary Ethiopian marathoner Kenenisa Bekele to land his maiden London and World Major title after clocking 2:04:01 with Jepchirchir finishing in 2:16:16 to take the women’s crown.
“Winning in London last year was special to me as it was my first time participating in a major. It changed my life for the better and uplifted my profile. My prayer is to dominate the London race in as many years as possible,” added Munyao.
London’s deep field
A rich field of elite marathoners, including four-time champion Kipchoge, has so far been confirmed for the race.
Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, New York City Marathon champion Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands, and Berlin Marathon champion Milkesa Mengesha of Ethiopia are expected to race in London.
Two-time World Cross Country champion Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda will mark his marathon debut in London with World Half Marathon champion Sébastian Sawe also running.
The 2024 Tokyo Marathon silver medallist Timothy Kiplagat is also on the list of elite marathoners released so far.
Kipchoge, Kiplagat and Sawe are the only fastest athletes from the list provided by the organizers as the trio have personal best times of; 2:01:09, 2:02:55 and 2:02:05 respectively.
Mutiso says he is not afraid of the competition he will face from the big runs enrolled for the race as he believes he is equal to the task and well prepared.
“You have to beat the best so as to win, and competition will make the race better and enjoyable. The competition will actually go a long way in helping me hit new time. The race traditionally attracts big names, and I have been preparing knowing that I will be up against the best in the world,” he said.