On April 27, 2025, the London Marathon witnessed a historic performance as Tigst Assefa from Ethiopia not only claimed victory but also shattered the world record for women-only races. Assefa crossed the finish line in an astonishing time of 2:15:50 hours, improving the previous record by 26 seconds. This remarkable feat served as a redemption for Assefa, who had narrowly lost to Peres Jepchirchir the previous year, when Jepchirchir set the best mark at 2:16:16 minutes.
Assefa’s victory marked a significant moment in marathon history, as she became the fastest woman ever in an official marathon setting. Her triumph came amidst a record turnout of over 56,000 runners, surpassing the previous record of 55,646 participants set in New York last November. The course, which wound through iconic landmarks such as the London Bridge, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye, culminated near Buckingham Palace.
In the men’s race, Sabastian Sawe from Kenya emerged victorious, completing the marathon in 2:02:27 hours. Sawe's performance was particularly impressive as he broke away from the pack decisively after 30 kilometers, securing the biggest win of his career. Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda finished in second place with a time of 2:03:37 hours, while Alexander Munyao, also from Kenya, took third in 2:04:20 hours.
For Amanal Petros, the day did not unfold as hoped. The 29-year-old German runner finished in eighth place with a time of 2:06:30 hours, falling short of the German record he aimed to break. Petros had previously lost the German record to Samuel Fitwi, who set a time of 2:04:56 hours in December 2024. Despite his disappointment, Petros had shown promise earlier in the month by completing a half-marathon in under an hour, becoming the first German to do so.
"When I enter a competition, I want to achieve something better. And for me, a personal best also means breaking the German record," Petros stated prior to the race, expressing his ambitions and the level of preparation he undertook, including a training stint in Kenya.
The London Marathon not only highlighted elite performances but also celebrated the spirit of marathon running, bringing together a diverse group of athletes from around the world. The race has become a staple in the international marathon calendar, known for its enthusiastic crowds and the picturesque route that showcases the best of London.
Assefa's new world record adds another chapter to her already impressive career, and it raises the bar for future competitors. The Ethiopian runner's determination and resilience were on full display as she avenged her previous year’s loss, showcasing her growth as an athlete.
Meanwhile, Sawe’s victory contributes to Kenya's storied tradition of marathon excellence, where the nation has produced some of the world's best long-distance runners. The rivalry between Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes continues to captivate fans, making events like the London Marathon a must-watch.
The marathon's atmosphere was electric, with spectators lining the streets, cheering on their favorites and creating an unforgettable experience for all participants. The event not only celebrates athletic prowess but also fosters community spirit, as runners from all walks of life come together to achieve personal goals.
As the dust settles on the 2025 London Marathon, the performances of Assefa and Sawe will be remembered as highlights in the annals of marathon history. With the world record now firmly in Assefa's hands, the question remains: who will rise to challenge her in the future?
As the running community reflects on this year’s marathon, anticipation builds for the next edition. Will we see more records fall? Will new stars emerge? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the London Marathon continues to be a premier event in the world of athletics, inspiring both seasoned runners and newcomers alike.
