NN Running Team ready for the spring 2025 marathon season
As winter fades and spring approaches, the NN Running Team is preparing for an exciting season of spring marathons. With a strong lineup of experienced athletes and emerging talent, among all the spring marathons that are in the calendar, our athletes are also set to compete in the Abbott World Marathon Majors in Tokyo, Boston, and London. Here’s a look at our team for the three races and what to expect.
Tokyo Marathon – 2 March 2025
First up: Tokyo. Known for its fast course and fierce competition, the city sets the stage for an exciting showdown. After a summer highlighted by his much-anticipated Olympic title in the 10,000m, Joshua Cheptegei returns to the marathon determined to exorcise his demons from Valencia. He will be joined by Birhanu Legese, a two-time Tokyo Marathon champion (2019 and 2020), and Stephen Kissa, who finished second at last year’s Osaka Marathon. Kissa is coming off a commanding performance at the Kolkata 25km and has held the Ugandan marathon record since 2022 with an impressive 2:04:48.
On the women’s side, Degitu Azimeraw is targeting her fourth Abbott World Marathon Major and enters the race as one of the fastest competitors in the field, boasting a personal best of 2:17:58 from her runner-up finish at the 2021 TCS London Marathon. With podium finishes in 50% of the marathons she has entered, she is a serious contender. Alongside her, Desi Jisa, who secured second place at last year’s Seoul Marathon and third at the Kolkata 25km in December, will be looking to deliver a strong performance against a highly competitive field.
B.A.A. Boston Marathon by Bank of America – 21 April 2025
Next up is Boston, one of the most historic marathons, known for its challenging course and unpredictable weather.
Yalemzerf Yehualaw, whose 2024 season was highlighted by a course record victory at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon, will take on Boston’s renowned hills with the confidence of a proven Abbott World Marathon Major winner, having claimed victory at the 2022 TCS London Marathon.
On the men’s side, Victor Kiplangat, the reigning world marathon champion and 2017 world mountain running champion, will be a strong contender to conquer the demanding Wellesley and Newton Hills. Also aiming for a strong finish on Boylston Street is Daniel Mateiko, who placed third at the Valencia Marathon in December, along with Haymanot Alew, coming off a breakthrough performance at the Berlin Marathon, where he finished third in 2:03:31, shaving two minutes off his personal best.
TCS London Marathon – 27 April 2025
The final stop is London, one of the most prestigious and competitive races in the world. With its iconic course winding through the heart of the British capital and a deep elite field every year, the TCS London Marathon never fails to deliver thrilling performances. For the NN Running Team, this year’s edition is no exception.
Leading the charge is none other than Eliud Kipchoge. With four previous London Marathon victories (2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019), the two-time Olympic champion is no stranger to success on this course. He returns to London with a renewed hunger for victory and to cement his legacy in one of the sport’s most significant races.
Joining him is Abdi Nageeye, whose 2024 season was highlighted by victories at the Rotterdam Marathon, in a national record time of 2:04:45, and the New York Marathon. Known for his tactical skills and strong finishing ability, the Olympic silver medallist will be looking to capitalize on his experience and endurance to make an impact on the race.
Another exciting addition to the team is Mohamed Esa. The Ethiopian talent has been steadily rising in the marathon ranks, and after a breakthrough year in 2024, with runner-up finishes in Boston and Chicago, he is poised to challenge for a top spot in London.
Adding to the excitement for local fans, Great Britain’s Jake Smith and Marc Scott will also be wearing NN Running Team colors as they take on their home marathon. Smith, a rising talent in the marathon distance, has been steadily building his endurance and race experience, while Scott, known for his strength on the track, is making extremely promising strides in transitioning to the roads. Both athletes will be eager to put on a show for the London crowds and stake their claim among the world's best.
On the women’s side, Haven Hailu leads the NN Running Team’s charge. After securing a series of strong performances in recent seasons, Hailu is ready to make her mark in London. The Ethiopian marathoner has consistently improved her times and demonstrated the resilience needed to compete at the highest level. She will be targeting a podium finish against a field stacked with world-class talent.
With a well-prepared team and a mix of experience and emerging talent, the NN Running Team is looking forward to a competitive and exciting marathon season. Stay tuned for updates, here on our website and on our social media channels.