NAIROBI, Kenya, April 13, 2025 – Kenya’s Bernard Biwott cruised to victory at the Paris Marathon on Sunday morning, clocking a personal best of 2:05:25 in the men’s elite race. This impressive performance not only secured him first place but also marked a significant improvement over his previous marathon time.
Biwott, just 22 years old, established himself as a formidable force in long-distance running, building on his recent success at the Frankfurt Marathon last October, where he finished with a time of 2:05:54. In Paris, he surged ahead of the lead group of nine runners with about 10 kilometers to go, demonstrating his strength and strategy as he pulled away to finish comfortably ahead of the competition.
Following Biwott across the finish line was Ibrahim Hassan of Djibouti, who clocked in at 2:06:13, securing second place. Another Kenyan, Sila Kiptoo, rounded out the podium with a time of 2:06:21, just eight seconds behind Hassan. This race showcased the depth of talent in Kenyan long-distance running, with three of the top finishers hailing from the East African nation.
Meanwhile, in the women’s elite race, Ethiopia’s Bedatu Hirpa claimed victory, crossing the line in 2:20:45. Hirpa’s win came after a fierce competition with her fellow countrywoman, Dera Dida, who finished just four seconds later at 2:20:49. Kenyan runner Angela Tanui finished third, clocking a time of 2:21:07. This marked a notable return for Tanui, who was competing for the first time since her third-place finish at the Beijing Marathon in November 2024, where she recorded a time of 2:25:41.
Tanui, who previously won the 2021 Amsterdam City Marathon, had been looking to regain her competitive edge and showed promise with her performance in Paris. Her last victory was at the Napoli City Half Marathon, where she finished in 1:07:04, signaling her potential to return to form.
The 2025 Paris Marathon, held on a beautiful spring morning, attracted thousands of participants, and the atmosphere was electric as runners from around the world took on the challenging 42.195-kilometer course. The event not only showcased elite runners but also included thousands of amateur participants, all eager to take part in one of the most prestigious marathons globally.
As the race unfolded, it became clear that the men’s elite competition was going to be a thrilling contest. Biwott’s strategy of breaking away from the pack in the latter stages paid off, and he managed to maintain his lead without being challenged in the final kilometers. His performance is a testament to his training and preparation leading up to this event.
In contrast, the women’s race was characterized by a nail-biting finish as Hirpa and Dida battled it out in the final stretch. Their training partnership was evident, as they pushed each other to achieve remarkable times. Tanui, while finishing behind the Ethiopian duo, demonstrated her resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.
Both Hirpa and Dida have established themselves as leading figures in women’s marathon running, and their performances in Paris further solidify their status. Hirpa’s victory is particularly noteworthy as it marks a significant achievement in her career, showcasing her ability to perform on a big stage.
The results from the Paris Marathon 2025 further highlight the dominance of East African runners in long-distance events. This marathon continues to be a platform where emerging talents can make their mark, and seasoned athletes can reaffirm their prowess.
As the dust settles on this year’s Paris Marathon, the running community looks ahead to the upcoming events, with many athletes eager to build on their performances in this prestigious race. Biwott’s personal best and Hirpa’s victory set the stage for an exciting year in athletics, with fans eagerly anticipating future competitions.
The Paris Marathon remains a benchmark for marathon runners worldwide, and with the performances seen today, it is clear that the future of long-distance running is bright, especially for the Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes who continue to dominate the sport.
