Tigst Assefa breaks women's-only marathon record at London Marathon

In Ethiopia, Tigst Assefa won the London Marathon on April 27, 2025, marking a significant milestone in women's long-distance racing by setting a new record for women's-only marathons. She finished with a time of 2:15:50, surpassing the previous women's-only record of 2:16:16. Assefa's performance came as a redemption after her second-place finishes in previous major races, including last year's Olympics and in London. The weather during the marathon was notably warmer, which played a crucial role in Assefa's ability to perform optimally compared to her last year's run where cold conditions affected her performance negatively. The men's race saw Kenya's Sabastian Sawe achieving his career's biggest win with a time of 2:02:27. Sawe successfully pulled away from his competitors at a pivotal moment during the race, showcasing a strategy that maximized his chances of victory. His win marked a significant achievement in his running career, especially after facing tough competition from other elite marathoners. Notably, Jacob Kiplimo, known for holding the half-marathon world record, made his marathon debut in this race, finishing second behind Sawe. In the women’s wheelchair race, Catherine Debrunner from Switzerland set a new course record, finishing in 1:34:18, just two seconds shy of her own world record. This remarkable achievement highlights the growing competition and performance levels in marathon events across genders and categories. Furthermore, Marcel Hug, another Swiss athlete, secured his seventh overall win in the men's wheelchair race, demonstrating consistent excellence in this discipline. The race concluded in front of the iconic Buckingham Palace, adding a prestigious backdrop to the event. Assefa’s victory not only showcased her endurance and speed but also sparked conversations about the evolution of women's marathon running. Athletes, commentators, and fans alike were eager to discuss the implications of her record-breaking performance, indicating a potential shift in the perception of women’s capabilities in long-distance running. As competition continues to heat up in marathon events worldwide, Assefa's achievements may inspire future generations of female runners to push their limits and break existing records.