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Why top marathon names opted for individual races

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Kenya's Sabastian Sawe crosses the line to win the men's race at the 2025 London Marathon in central London on April 27, 2025. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) /

With 2020 Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir and last year's Berlin Marathon runner-up Vincent Ngetich leading the 2025 World Athletics Championships squad to Tokyo, surprise names featured in the selected team.

Big names in the classic distance decided to compete in other well-oiled races, raising questions.

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