Shanghai Marathon Elite Field Preview

Posted by: Watch Athletics

Friday, 28 November 2025

Former world record-holder Brigid Kosgei and defending course record-holder Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba headline a powerful international field for Sunday’s Shanghai Marathon, a World Athletics Platinum Label race.

Men’s Race

Ethiopia brings a formidable group led by Deresa Geleta (2:02:38) and Birhanu Legese (2:02:48), joined by major champions Milkesa Mengesha and Dawit Wolde—all boasting sub-2:04 credentials.

Defending champion Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba returns seeking another title after setting the Chinese all-comers’ record of 2:05:35 here in 2023. Kenya adds depth with Titus Kipruto, Solomon Kirwa Yego, and Kenneth Keter, while China’s Feng Peiyou (2:07:06) aims to break the national record.

Women’s Race

Kosgei, the former world record-holder with 2:14:04, competes in her third marathon of 2025 after strong runner-up finishes in Hamburg (2:18:26) and Sydney (2:18:56). She targets her first victory in two years and could challenge the 2:20:36 course record. Pacemakers are set for 2:17:50 pace, fast enough to threaten both the course and Chinese all-comers’ records.

She faces strong opposition from Irine Cheptai (2:17:51), the 2017 world cross-country champion, and countrywoman Selly Chepyego. Ethiopia counters with Tiruye Mesfin (2:18:35), while China fields a top home contender in Zhang Deshun, who ran 2:20:53 in Tokyo earlier this year. Two-time Chinese marathon winner Bekelech Gudeta also enters in winning form.

Shanghai Marathon Elite Fields:

Men Elite Field

Deresa Geleta (ETH) 2:02:38
Birhanu Legese (ETH) 2:02:48
Dawit Wolde (ETH) 2:03:48
Haftu Teklu (ETH) 2:04:42
Titus Kipruto (KEN) 2:04:54
Philimon Kiptoo Kipchumba (KEN) 2:05:35
Solomon Kirwa Yego (KEN) 2:05:42
Kenneth Keter (KEN) 2:05:53
Edmond Kipngetich (KEN) 2:06:47
Feng Peiyou (CHN) 2:07:06
Challa Gossa (ETH) 2:07:32
Wu Xiangdong (CHN) 2:08:04

Women Elite Field:

Brigid Kosgei (KEN) 2:14:04
Irine Chepet Cheptai (KEN) 2:17:51
Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) 2:18:35
Selly Chepyego Kaptich (KEN) 2:20:03
Zhang Deshun (CHN) 2:20:53
Bekelech Gudeta (ETH) 2:21:36
Veronicah Njeri Maina (KEN) 2:24:46
Xia Yuyu (CHN) 2:25:45
Wu Bing (CHN) 2:26:01
Li Meizhen (CHN) 2:27:51
Shen Ni (CHN) 2:28:47
Huang Xuemei (CHN) 2:29:51