In a thrilling display of endurance and speed, Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia shattered the women’s only record at the London Marathon on April 27, 2025, finishing with a remarkable time of 2:15:50. This performance not only secured her victory but also eclipsed the previous record held by Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir by an impressive 26 seconds. While Assefa's time was a record for women-only races, the overall course record remains with Paula Radcliffe, who set a time of 2:15:25 during a mixed race in 2003.
Assefa’s triumph was a highlight in a race that featured many of the world’s top marathon runners. Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya finished in second place, clocking in at 2:18:43, while Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands took third with a time of 2:18:59. The 28-year-old Assefa, who previously held the standard women’s world record with her time of 2:11:53 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, faced stiff competition but ultimately proved her mettle on the streets of London.
In the men’s race, Sabastian Sawe of Kenya emerged victorious, completing the marathon in 2:02:27. This time was a minute and 33 seconds faster than Alexander Mutiso Munyao’s winning time from the previous year. Sawe, only 29 years old, showcased his exceptional talent, finishing well ahead of 24-year-old Jacob Kiplimo, who secured second place 70 seconds later. Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands, last year’s winner, was narrowly edged into third by Mutiso after a thrilling sprint finish.
Among the notable names in the men’s race was the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, who finished sixth with a time of 2:05:25. The 40-year-old Kipchoge, a four-time London Marathon champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, was looking to regain his form after a challenging period, including a 10th place finish in Tokyo and a dropout in Paris.
Assefa’s victory comes in the wake of a remarkable career trajectory. Last year, she finished just behind Jepchirchir in London, clocking 2:16:23, and has consistently performed at the highest levels since her record-setting run in Berlin. With the world record now held by Ruth Chepngetich at 2:09:56, Assefa’s sights are likely set on reclaiming the title.
In the wheelchair races, Switzerland celebrated a double victory with Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner both claiming first place. Hug, competing in the men’s wheelchair race, won for the seventh time and fifth consecutive year, finishing in 1:25:25, a full 44 seconds ahead of Tomoki Suzuki of Japan. Jetze Plat from the Netherlands rounded out the podium, finishing third.
Debrunner, on the other hand, recorded a time of 1:34:18, just two seconds shy of her world record. Her performance would have placed her among the top 10 in the men’s race, highlighting her exceptional speed and endurance. Susannah Scaroni from the United States finished second in the women’s wheelchair race, while Debrunner’s compatriot Manuela Schar took third.
This year’s London Marathon was not just about individual performances; it was a showcase of the best in the sport. The event featured many of the biggest names in marathon running, with six men boasting personal bests under 2:04 and seven women having broken the 2:20 barrier, including four who have run under 2:17.
Assefa and Hassan’s rivalry reignited on the marathon course after their dramatic finish at the Olympic Games, where Hassan edged out Assefa for gold by just three seconds. This race marked a significant moment for both athletes, as they returned to compete against each other for the first time since that thrilling encounter.
Assefa’s previous records have set the stage for this year’s race. She has shown remarkable consistency, having won in Berlin in 2022 with a time of 2:15:37 and previously winning the world championship title. Hassan, who has a personal best of 2:13:44, is another formidable competitor, having triumphed in her marathon debut in London in 2023.
The men’s field also featured a mix of seasoned competitors and newcomers, including Jacob Kiplimo, who made his marathon debut. Kiplimo, the current world record holder in the half marathon, brings a wealth of experience and speed to the marathon distance, having recently clocked 56:42 in Barcelona.
As the marathon unfolded, each athlete pushed their limits, showcasing the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence in the sport. The race was a testament to the hard work and dedication that athletes put into their training, with each runner striving to achieve their personal best.
With the 2025 World Athletics season featuring several key events, including the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing and the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the London Marathon serves as a pivotal moment in the calendar for many athletes. The excitement surrounding this event is indicative of the growing popularity of marathon running globally.
Assefa’s record-breaking performance and Sawe’s impressive victory will undoubtedly resonate in the annals of marathon history, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year ahead in athletics. The London Marathon continues to capture the imagination of fans and athletes alike, solidifying its status as one of the premier marathon events in the world.
