With excitement echoing through the streets of Seville, the 2025 edition of the city’s iconic Marathon has demonstrated once again why it remains one of the top running events worldwide. On February 23, the marathon welcomed over 14,000 runners from around the globe, creating an impressive spectacle as elite athletes took to the road.
Ethiopian athlete Selemon Barega made headlines by claiming victory in the men's category, completing the marathon with a time of 2:05:15. This result, though slightly shy of the event's record of 2:03:27 set by Deresa Geleta, still highlights Barega's remarkable performance as he transitions from track events to the grueling marathon distance.
Finishing more than one minute after Barega was his fellow Ethiopian, Adisu Tesfahun, who crossed the line at 2:06:27, demonstrating the continued dominance of Ethiopian runners on this prestigious platform. The podium was rounded out by Morocco’s Mohamed Reda El Aaraby, who secured third place with the same time as Tesfahun but finishing slightly behind.
On the women's side, newcomer Anchinalu Dessie also made her marathon debut count by sealing victory with an impressive time of 2:22:17. Her performance sent shockwaves through the competition, especially as she distanced herself from her rivals during the race, especially after the 35 km mark. Completing the female podium were France's Manon Trapp, who marked her achievement with a record-breaking 2:23:38—setting the national record for France—and Kenya's Cynthia Chepchirchir, crossing the finish line at 2:23:44, showcasing the high-caliber female talent present.
The 2025 Seville Marathon didn't just see exceptional personal performances but also illustrated the impressive organization behind the event. According to organizers, this year's marathon broke records not only for participation but also for the race's global reach, being broadcasted to over 300 channels and viewed by audiences around the world.
Former secretary-general of the International Athletics Federation, Lord Sebastian Coe, praised the marathon's organization and its economic impact on the city of Seville. He remarked, "Events like these not only showcase athletic talent but also significantly boost local economies by attracting tourists and international attention. They can solidify Seville's reputation as a hub for sports.”
Despite the humid conditions on race day, which added extra challenges for the competitors, the 2025 edition of this marathon stood out not just for the results but for the electric atmosphere generated by the local crowd, who turned out to support the runners.
Dr. José Luis Sanz, the mayor of Seville, noted the importance of the marathon for the city and emphasized future investments to continue enhancing the event. "Sevilla has shown its capacity to host prestigious sports events, and we are committed to maintaining this level of excellence," he stated during the award ceremony.
With new records to celebrate and familiar names to watch, the 2025 Seville Marathon reinforced Ethiopia's dominating presence within the sport and laid down the anticipation for future editions of this illustrious event. Both Selemon Barega and Anchinalu Dessie are set to become frequent names on the marathon circuit as they continue to transition successfully from other running formats.
Running enthusiasts await what the next year will bring as the seeds planted by this historic marathon come to fruition, with potential rivalries and records to be challenged, fostering even more talent on the global stage.