Main NewsEthiopia’s Tigst Assefa Sets New Women’s-Only World Record at London Marathon 2025

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Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa Sets New Women’s-Only World Record at London Marathon 2025

Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa broke the women’s-only marathon record at the London Marathon, finishing in 2:15:50, while Kenyan Sebastian Sawe tops the men’s field. London Marathon 2025 results and report.

byGlen Andrews

April 27, 2025

Tigist Assefa celebrates winning at the London Marathon 2025. Photo: Organizers

LONDON, (April 27) – The 45th London Marathon witnessed a historic moment as Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa broke the women’s-only world record, finishing in an impressive 2:15:50. This marks a 26-second improvement on the previous record held by Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, who finished the 2022 race in 2:16:16.

Assefa, the silver medallist from the Paris Olympics, executed a brilliant race strategy, pulling away from her closest competitor, Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya, in the final stretch. Jepkosgei crossed the line second, clocking 2:18:44, while reigning Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands finished third with a time of 2:19:00.

Sebastian Sawe Beats Strong Field

In the men’s division, Kenyan Sebastian Sawe exhibited exceptional tactical skill, claiming victory in a time of 2:02:27, the second-fastest marathon time in London history.

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, the world half-marathon record-holder, finished strongly in second place in his marathon debut, clocking 2:03:37. Last year’s champion, Alexander Mutiso Munyao, completed the podium spot with a time of 2:04:20.

How Tigst Assefa Won London Marathon 2025?

During the women’s elite race, the leaders maintained an aggressive pace. They recorded an early 5km split of 15:34, indicative of a sub-2:12 marathon rhythm. By the halfway point, Assefa and Jepkosgei surpassed the mark in 1:06:40, demonstrating their dominance.

Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa breaks the women-only world record at London Marathon 2025

Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa after she broke the women-only world record at London Marathon 2025

A decisive move by Assefa at 35km set her apart, completing the segment in an exceptional 1:52:12, which allowed her to finish with a significant lead.

The event also highlighted the wheelchair races, where Marcel Hug won his sixth title with a finish time of 1:25:25, while Catherine Debrunner claimed her third title in four years, completing her race in 1:34:18.

A record-breaking 56,000 runners officially registered for the TCS London Marathon 2025, which is part of the 2025 World Athletics Platinum Label road race series.