On April 27, 2025, the streets of London echoed with excitement as Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia claimed victory in the London Marathon, setting a new women’s-only world record with a remarkable time of 2:15:50. This achievement not only marked a personal triumph for Assefa but also shattered the previous record by an impressive 26 seconds, a feat that has left fans and competitors in awe.
Assefa’s performance was a masterclass in endurance and strategy, as she dominated the race, particularly in the closing stages. Despite flirting with the possibility of breaking Paula Radcliffe’s long-standing course record of 2:15:25, set 22 years ago, Assefa ultimately fell short of that milestone. However, her new world record solidifies her status as one of the elite marathon runners in history.
The race began with a competitive field that included Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and defending champion Joyciline Jepkosgei, both of whom pushed the pace early on. The trio, along with Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu, passed the 5K mark in an impressive 15:34, setting a blistering pace. However, Alemu soon fell off the lead, leaving Assefa, Hassan, and Jepkosgei to battle it out for the title.
As the race progressed, Hassan struggled to keep up with the leaders, and by the halfway point, she had lost touch with the front runners. Assefa and Jepkosgei continued to push the pace, with Assefa making her decisive move just after 35K, splitting a remarkable 5:03 mile that left Jepkosgei unable to respond. Assefa surged ahead, crossing the finish line with a triumphant smile, while Jepkosgei finished second in 2:18:43, followed by Hassan in third place at 2:19:00.
After the race, Assefa expressed her joy, stating, "I was second here last year and second in the Olympics, so I'm really happy to win here. After the Olympics, I prepared specifically for this race. It's been a long build-up but it's paid off. I'm very happy not only to have won but to have run a women's-only world record." Her dedication and hard work have clearly paid off, as she now sets her sights on the upcoming LA28 Games.
Meanwhile, the men’s race saw an equally thrilling performance from Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe, who secured the biggest win of his career with a time of 2:02:27. Sawe's victory was characterized by a bold attack at the drinks station around the 30K mark, where he caught his competitors off guard. His decision to surge rather than refuel at the station proved pivotal, as he covered the 5K between 30K and 35K in an astonishing 13:56.
Sawe's performance not only earned him the title but also established him as a rising star in the marathon world, showcasing his potential to challenge for world records in the future. Jacob Kiplimo, the half-marathon world record holder, made a strong debut, finishing second in 2:03:37, while Alexander Mutiso Munyao secured third place in a nail-biting photo finish against Abdi Nageeye, both finishing in 2:04:20. The legendary Eliud Kipchoge, a four-time London Marathon champion, placed sixth in 2:05:25, a surprising result for the marathon great.
In the wheelchair races, Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner set a course record in the women’s event, finishing in 1:34:18, just two seconds shy of her own world record. Debrunner’s performance was dominant, with Susannah Scaroni of the USA finishing almost four minutes behind in second place, and Manuela Schär rounding out the podium in 1:41:06.
On the men’s side, Marcel Hug continued his reign, winning the men’s wheelchair race in 1:25:25, securing his seventh overall title in London. Hug's victory was impressive, as he finished nearly a minute ahead of Japan’s Tomoki Suzuki, who took second place.
The 2025 London Marathon was not just about individual triumphs; it also highlighted the event's growing popularity, with a record-breaking 840,318 applicants vying for a spot in the race. This staggering number underscores the marathon's status as one of the most competitive events in the world.
As the dust settles on this year’s marathon, the stories of triumph and perseverance resonate deeply within the running community. With Assefa and Sawe setting new benchmarks in their respective categories, the excitement for future races, including the upcoming Olympic Games, continues to build.
In conclusion, the London Marathon once again lived up to its reputation as a premier marathon event, showcasing extraordinary athletic performances and setting the stage for future competitions. Assefa’s world record and Sawe’s impressive debut win are just the latest chapters in the rich history of this iconic race.
