The 2025 London Marathon delivered an unforgettable day filled with elite performances, record-breaking runs, and moments of pure inspiration as over 56,000 runners took to the streets of the capital. This iconic event, now in its 45th edition, witnessed Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa and Kenya's Sabastian Sawe clinch stunning victories in the women's and men's elite races, respectively, solidifying their places among the marathon greats.
In a phenomenal display of endurance and speed, Tigst Assefa crossed the finish line with an astonishing time of 2:15:50, shattering the women's-only marathon world record previously held by Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir at 2:16:16. Assefa broke away from the competition early on, maintaining a blistering pace that left her rivals trailing. Following her was Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, who finished second with a time of 2:18:44, while last year's champion, Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands, completed the podium in 2:19:00. The women's race showcased not only remarkable athleticism but also fierce competition among the world's top long-distance runners.
On the men's side, Sabastian Sawe demonstrated his prowess with a decisive victory, clocking in at 2:02:27. The Kenyan runner made a strategic move during a water station around the 30-kilometer mark, breaking away from the pack and never looking back. Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo, making his marathon debut, impressed with a second-place finish in 2:03:37, while last year's champion, Alexander Mutiso Munyao, secured third place with a time of 2:04:20.
The wheelchair events were equally spectacular, with Switzerland's Marcel Hug winning his sixth London Marathon title in 1:25:25. Catherine Debrunner, also from Switzerland, claimed her third women's wheelchair victory in four years, finishing in 1:34:18, narrowly missing her own world record.
Beyond the elite fields, the 2025 London Marathon celebrated mass participation at its finest. This year's race set a record as the most entered marathon in history, with more than 56,000 runners completing the famous 42.195-kilometer route from Greenwich Park to The Mall, creating a festival atmosphere throughout the city. The event will be remembered for its record-breaking performances, inspiring feats, and the enduring spirit of the London Marathon community.
However, the day was not without its disruptions. Just as the men's elite runners were passing through Tower Bridge, two activists from a group called Youth Demand jumped over barriers and threw bright pink powder onto the course. The incident occurred around 10:35 BST, prompting a swift response from event staff and the Metropolitan Police, who intervened to remove the protesters from the path of the race. Police arrested the individuals on suspicion of causing a public nuisance, and they remain in custody. Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, expressed disappointment over the disruption, stating, "It's very disappointing that two people attempted to disrupt the London Marathon which does so much good, raises so many millions for charity, brings so much joy and brings communities together."
Among the participants were several high-profile figures, including former Chelsea captain John Terry, who was running for charity, alongside other ex-footballers like Jack Wilshere and Leonardo Bonucci. The race also featured inspiring stories, such as that of DJ Adele Roberts, who set a new world record as the first and fastest runner to complete the six marathon majors with a stoma. She completed the set within eight months, inspiring many with her journey.
Alex Yee, the British triathlon Olympic champion, made his marathon debut, finishing 14th with a time just outside 2:11. Reflecting on his experience, Yee shared, "My legs have never been this sore. It’s a new experience definitely." He expressed pride in completing the marathon, emphasizing the emotional weight of the day. "This is bigger than running. It’s an amazing day and I wanted to be a part of it. This was the perfect opportunity," he said.
The atmosphere at the London Marathon was electric, with crowds cheering on every runner. Many participants ran for personal reasons, including David Stancombe and Sergio Aguiar, who completed the race in memory of their daughters, tragically lost in a violent incident. Their story resonated with many, showcasing the marathon's role as a platform for remembrance and charity.
As the event concluded, excitement remained high, with the ballot now open for the 2026 London Marathon. Those inspired by this year’s incredible performances are encouraged to enter, as they look forward to another thrilling chapter in the marathon's storied history.
With the elite races now complete, the focus shifts to the thousands of other runners who took on the challenge, each with their own unique stories and motivations. The London Marathon once again proved to be a celebration of resilience, community, and the unyielding spirit of athletes worldwide.
