Dutch Runner Sifan Hassan Excited to Enjoy London Marathon

Two years after Dutch runner Sifan Hassan won the London Marathon, an event marked by unforgettable moments as she stopped twice due to thigh cramps during her first attempt at the distance, she returns to this year’s London Marathon with excitement to see what she can achieve.

The 32-year-old, who won the Olympic marathon in Paris last August, leads a list of four Olympic and Paralympic champions participating in the London Marathon scheduled for April 27.

Speaking to reporters via video call, Hassan said: “I never dreamed I would win a gold medal in London, but suddenly (after that) my mind started thinking about Paris and participating in the marathon there. I was so scared of the marathon. Would I not be able to finish it? Would I feel pain? Oh my God, what would happen? Would people say I made a huge mistake? So, I didn’t really enjoy the London Marathon (2023). This time, I really want to go and enjoy it.”

Ethiopian Tamirat Tola, the men’s Paris Marathon champion, aims to secure his first win in London in his fifth attempt, while Swiss athletes Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner, both Paralympic marathon gold medalists, lead the wheelchair race participants.

Hassan, who added the gold medal to her two bronze medals from the 5,000m and 10,000m races in the same Olympics, took what she described as the longest break of her career, spending nearly four months reconnecting with family and friends.

“I was completely away from competitions and had an amazing recovery,” she said. “I wanted to show my friends and family that while I was busy with work, they are important to me.”

Despite her numerous achievements, Hassan remains highly motivated and has no plans to slow down. “I have so many aspirations and goals in my mind, and I want to see what I can do,” she said.