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Why top marathon names opted for individual races

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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