Aselefech Mergia ready to challenge Kenya’s “Fantastic Four”

Ethiopia’s Aselefech Mergia, who was added to the women’s elite field for the 2015 Virgin Money London Marathon (April 26) yesterday, said that she is ready to challenge Kenya’s “Fantastic Four”.

Kenya’s impressive team includes the last three London Marathon champions: Edna Kiplagat, Mary Keitany and Priscah Jeptoo – plus last year’s runner-up, the world half marathon record holder Florence Kiplagat.

Mergia, who returned from pregnancy to win the women’s race at the lucrative Dubai Marathon in January for a record third time, will also have to deal with fellow Ethiopian Tirfi Tsegaye, the 2014 Tokyo and Berlin Marathon champion, another new addition to the women’s roster.

Another new name further down the women’s list is that of Ethiopian-born Elvan Abeylegesse of Turkey, who won 2008 Olympic silver medals at 5000m and 10,000m.

A former world record holder at 5000m, Abeylegesse moved up to the marathon two years ago and finished fifth at last summer’s European Championships in Zurich.

2015 Virgin Money London Marathon elite fields

Men
Wilson Kipsang (KEN) 2:03:23
Dennis Kimetto (KEN) 2:02:57
Emmanuel Mutai (KEN) 2:03:13
Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) 2:04:05
Geoffrey Mutai (KEN) 2:04:15
Ayele Abshero (ETH) 2:04:23
Sammy Kitwara (KEN) 2:04:28
Tsegaye Mekonnen (ETH) 2:04:32
Stanley Biwott (KEN) 2:04:55
Tilahun Regassa (ETH) 2:05:27
Guye Adola (ETH) debut

Women
Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 2:19:50
Mary Keitany (KEN) 2:18:37
Aselefech Mergia (ETH) 2:19:31
Florence Kiplagat (KEN) 2:19:44
Priscah Jeptoo (KEN) 2:20:14
Tirfi Tsegaye (ETH) 2:20:81
Feyse Tadese (ETH) 2:20:27
Jemima Sumgong (KEN) 2:20:41
Tigist Tufa (ETH) 2:21:52
Elvan Abeylegesse (TUR) 2:29:30