Stars set for epic clash at London Marathon today

Joyciline Jepkosgei on her way to winning the 2019 women’s New York City Marathon. [File]

Eliud Kipchoge may be absent from the start-line for the Virgin Money London Marathon today but compatriot Brigid Kosgei will be aiming to emulate his dominance of the World Athletics Elite Platinum Label road race when she goes in search of a third consecutive victory.

Kipchoge, a four-time London winner but surprisingly beaten a year ago, has chosen to sit out this year’s race to recover from his gold medal-winning exertions in the Olympic marathon, though Kosgei has no such qualms about returning to the scene of her triumphs in 2019 and 2020 just eight weeks after earning silver in the heat and humidity of Sapporo.