When the starting gun fires at 08:00 on August 11, 2024, the women’s marathon will signal the conclusion of the Olympic Games in Paris. This prestigious race features some of the world’s top marathon runners on a challenging and historic course through the French capital. Predictions point to an exciting battle among strong competitors, particularly from Ethiopia and Kenya, while athletes from other nations also have the potential to surprise.

The marathon route begins at Hôtel de Ville and takes runners past iconic landmarks such as the Louvre, Jardin des Tuileries, and Place de la Concorde, before heading towards the demanding stretch towards Versailles. On the return to Paris, participants will pass by the Eiffel Tower before crossing the finish line at Esplanade des Invalides. The course is far from flat, featuring a total elevation gain of 436 meters as well as a corresponding descent, which will test the runners’ endurance and tactical skills to the limit.

This year, the field in the women’s marathon is exceptionally strong. Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, the world record holder from the Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:11:53, is a clear favorite. Her impressive transformation from an 800-meter runner to a marathon star has put her in the spotlight as a potential gold medal winner. Her compatriot Amane Beriso Shankule, who won the World Championship in 2023 and completed a marathon in 2:14 in Valencia, is also a strong candidate.

Kenya comes to the event with a team of experienced and successful runners. Peres Jepchirchir, the reigning Olympic champion, has already demonstrated her strength by winning the London Marathon this year with a time of 2:16. Hellen Obiri, who has made a remarkable transition from track running to road racing, is another contender to watch closely. Her recent victory at the Boston Marathon indicates she is in top form.

While athletes from Ethiopia and Kenya dominate the favorites, several other participants could play a decisive role. Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands is one of the most versatile runners in the field. She has already secured a bronze medal in the 5000 meters at the Olympic Games in Paris and is set to compete in the 10,000 meters just two days before the marathon. The question remains whether her legs can withstand the massive strain.

Other runners to watch include Rose Chelimo from Bahrain, a former world champion, and Honami Maeda from Japan, who holds the Asian record. Both have experience and results that could make them dark horses in the race.

With the challenging route and a formidable field, we can expect a tactical and thrilling race. It is likely that we will witness an intense contest between Ethiopian and Kenyan runners, but the aforementioned outsiders may also bring excitement along the way. Weather conditions in Paris will also be influential; if temperatures rise, it could significantly alter the dynamics of the race.

Overall, this marathon is not just about speed, but also about strategy, endurance, and the ability to handle the challenges of the course. Regardless of the outcome, there is no doubt that the women’s marathon at the 2024 Olympics will be a memorable event.