The organizer has scraped together the strongest marathon field in history. In addition to Hassan, who has two Olympic golds and two World Championship gold medals in track running, the reigning champion in London: Yalemzerf Yehualaw, world record holder Brigid Kosgei and Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir will be hoping for an improvement on the world record of 2:14.04.
The 30-year-old Hassan, who loves tough challenges, ran home the 5,000 and 10,000 in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and connected in the 1,500 meters on the unlikely triple where she salvaged the bronze. As a devout Muslim, he has fasted during Ramadan from morning to evening March 22 to April 20, which has been stressful.
"I feel both nervousness and curiosity at the same time. Will I defeat the marathon course or will it defeat me? Hassan asks, according to Reuters. She does not want to comment on any time target.
Mo Farah runs his last marathon in London
If her debut goes well, she can imagine running a marathon this autumn as well. Hassan emphasizes his love for track running and does not know if the marathon will be part of the plan for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
British icon Mo Farah has rounded off his career step by step.
"It won't be my last marathon but I think it will be my last London Marathon," he said.
The police have taken care that the competition, which has attracted 45,000 entries, may be disrupted by activists.