London Marathon is in 78 days: Here are 26 Profiles, one every three days

Current Berlin Champion is my selection to be first lady to finish. Tigist Assefa won in 2.15.37, first half in 68.13 and between 25 and 35k in 31.39.

Men:

1. Amos Kipruto

2. Kelvin Kiptum

Women:

1. Brigid kosgei

2. Peres Jepchirchir

Second could be Mosinet Geremew, second at both the last two World Champs. PB of 2.02.55 when second here in 2019. Also second in Chicago in 2018.

I am choosing outside your women for second as well. Defending Champ.

That is Yehualaw. Ran under 2.17.30 twice last year in her first attempts at this classic distance. Won here even though she tripped on a speed bump, fell, and got back up.

Next should be World Champion, Tamirat Tola. Won that in Eugene in 2.05.36. PB when fourth in Valencia in 2.03.40 last Dec. Fourth in NY both 2018 and 19.

Next on debut is Sifan Hassan. Had a huge Worlds on the track in 2019 winning both 1500 and 10000 then Oct that year in Valencia was 2nd behind Teferi over the half. PB at that longer distance in 2018 in Copenhagen when winning in 65.15

Fourth to finish may be Kelvin Kiptum after the fastest ever debut of 2.01.53 last December in Valencia, second half in 60.15.

Fourth lady should be Peres. Has won everywhere: NY, Olympics, and Boston. PB of 2.17.16 in winning Valencia in 2020

Next could be Geoffrey Kamworor, PB of 2.05.23 when 4th in Valencia in 2021. Fifth at Worlds last year. Won NY twice and twice third in Berlin. Has 5 times sub 2.07.

Next might be Brigid Kosgei. WR holder from Chicago 2019. Won four other Majors and twice runner-up.

Sixth should be Seifu Tura, PB of 2.04.29 when fourth in Milan in 2021. Sixth at Worlds. Won Chicago in 2021 and runner-up there last year in 2.04.49

Sixth could be a woman on debut, but not British. Girmawit Gebrzihair. Won the half at RAK last year in 64.14

7th may be Leul Gebresilase, PB of 2.04.02 when second in Dubai in 2018. Second here last year. Third in Amsterdam in 2021 in 2.04.12

Seventh lady should be Almaz Ayana. We will see tomorrow in Lisbon whether she can cut a swathe through her PB over the half. Her current 67.10 is bettered by 107 women in history. That’s a lot for the woman who held the 25 lap track WR for almost 5 years. I wouldn’t be surprised with 90 sec off that. Won Amsterdam on debut over this classic distance last year in 2.17.20

Why's Kelvin Kiptum left out. Mans pulled off 2:01:53 on his Debut.

Don’t respond to this guy Aussiestatman.

1:01:38 Opening

1:00:15 Closing Half

Legit has the fastest Closing Half Marathon in History thus far. Only Kipchoge's INEOS 1:59 Performances of 59:43 (Closing) is better. Even Kipchoge in a legit course closed in 1:00:33 in 2018.

Just cause he's 23 and his debut. Don't mean he can't deliver.

Not left out, just off the podium. I have said elsewhere how I am comparing his career with runners like Legese: different times on courses like London vs flat marathons like Berlin and Valencia.