Tigist Tufa will bid for back-to-back London Marathon women's titles ©Getty Images

Ethiopia’s Tigist Tufa will bid to defend her Virgin Money London Marathon when she takes to the start line of the 2016 race on April 24.

She broke clear of Kenya’s Mary Keitany in the final three miles last year to triumph at the 35th running of the race in a time of 2 hours 23min 22sec.

It saw her become only the third Ethiopian to win the London Marathon title, joining Derartu Tulu and Aselefech Mergia, with the latter being awarded the crown following the retrospective disqualifications of Russia’s Liliya Shobukhova and Inga Abitova from the 2010 race.

“Winning in London was the greatest moment in my career so far,” said Tufa.

“I am happy to be returning to London in 2016 to defend my title.

“I know it won’t be easy because the London fields are always the best in the world, but I am determined to do my best again.”

Having been forced to settle for second place last year, Keitany will hope to gain revenge as she seeks to secure her third victory in London.

The reigning New York City Marathon champion triumphed in both 2011 and 2012 editions of the event and will led a strong Kenyan contingent at this year’s edition.

She has the fastest personal best in the women’s field with a time of 2:18:37, but reigning world champion Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia and her fellow Kenyan Gladys Cherono, who is due to make her London Marathon debut, are also expected to be in contention for victory.

World champion Mare Dibaba has also been confirmed for the women's field
World champion Mare Dibaba has also been confirmed for the women's field ©Getty Images

“Tigist Tufa showed last year that predictions mean nothing in marathon racing when she beat all the favourites with a thrilling victory,” said Hugh Brasher, event director of the London Marathon. 

“This year’s line-up is no less exciting with five members of the prestigious sub-2:20 club all set to challenge the champion.

“With the Rio Olympics around the corner providing an extra incentive to all the elite runners, it is set to be another race to remember.”

Two places in Britain’s Olympic team will be up for grabs with the first two home with British Athletics’s qualifying time of 2:31 being guaranteed a berth.

Sonia Samuels and Alyson Dixon both achieved the standard at the Berlin Marathon in September, but are expected to face strong competition for the spots from Freya Ross, Susan Partridge and Louise Damen.