Tigst Assefa sets women’s-only world record at London Marathon

Tigst Assefa triumphs over Joyciline Jepkosgei and Sifan Hassan to make history in London.

Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia crosses the finish line to win the women's race at the 2025 London Marathon in central London on April 27, 2025. Photo by Justin Tallis/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Tigst Assefa made history at the 2025 London Marathon by setting a new women’s-only world record, reinforcing her dominance in long-distance running. Assefa, who had previously secured a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, crossed the finish line in an astonishing 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 50 seconds. With this performance, she shattered the previous women’s-only marathon record of 2:16:16, established by Peres Jepchirchir in London just a year earlier.

The Tigst Assefa London Marathon 2025 triumph also marked a significant comeback for the Ethiopian star, who finished second in London last year. This time, Assefa left no doubt, pulling away from Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei in the final stages to secure the victory. Jepkosgei finished second with a time of 2:18:44, while Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, the reigning Olympic champion, placed third in 2:19:00 after losing pace at the halfway mark.

Speaking to BBC One after her record-setting performance, Assefa expressed her delight. “I won second here last year so to win this year is very special. I am really, very happy," she said. Reflecting on the differences from 2024, Assefa explained that last year's colder temperatures and a tight hamstring hampered her performance. "This year the weather suited me better. I am really pleased with how the race went," she added.

Understanding the women’s-only world record distinction

The term “women’s-only” has led to some confusion since World Athletics introduced the designation in 2011. The distinction exists to differentiate races contested solely by women from “mixed” races, where women may benefit from pacing by faster male runners.

Because of this system, marathon records are now classified as either "women's-only" or "mixed." Tigst Assefa, for instance, previously clocked an even faster time of 2:11:53 at the Berlin Marathon in 2023 — a mixed race where male pacemakers were present. This remains the second-fastest time ever recorded by a woman overall, trailing only Ruth Chepngetich’s 2:09:56 performance at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, another mixed race event.

Thus, while her London Marathon victory was not her career-best time, it cemented Assefa’s place in history for a standalone women’s competition, achieving a monumental feat without the aid of male pacemakers.

Men’s race sees Sebastian Sawe secure a memorable win

In the men’s race at the 2025 London Marathon, Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe delivered a breakout performance. Competing in only his second marathon, Sawe claimed victory with an impressive time of 2:02:27 — the second-fastest in London Marathon history, trailing only Kelvin Kiptum’s record of 2:01:25 set in 2023.

Sawe finished a commanding 70 seconds ahead of Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, further proving his emerging status in the marathon world. His winning run followed an earlier triumph at the Valencia Marathon in December, where he clocked 2:02:05, the fastest marathon time of 2024.

The legendary Eliud Kipchoge, competing for the first time since turning 40, finished sixth in London with a time of 2:05:25. Despite not challenging for the win, Kipchoge’s participation continued to attract massive interest, as the two-time Olympic gold medalist remains a revered figure in long-distance running.

Wheelchair division delivers thrilling finishes

The wheelchair divisions also saw standout performances. Marcel Hug captured his sixth London Marathon crown, dominating the men’s wheelchair race in 1:25:25. Hug’s consistency and speed were once again on full display, reinforcing his place as one of the sport’s greatest athletes.

In the women’s wheelchair race, Catherine Debrunner narrowly missed setting a new world record, winning with a time of 1:34:18 — just two seconds shy of the mark. Debrunner’s strong performance added to the day’s series of impressive achievements.

A record-breaking day in London

Sunday’s London Marathon attracted more than 56,000 runners, from elite athletes to charity participants, making it one of the largest turnouts in the event’s history.

As part of the World Marathon Majors series, London hosted the third of seven major races this year, following Tokyo and Boston. The marathon calendar will continue with Sydney, a new addition to the majors, scheduled for August 31. The season will then conclude with events in Berlin, Chicago, and New York.

The atmosphere in London was electric throughout the day, with spectators lining the streets and cheering on runners through the historic course that passes landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament.

Tigst Assefa’s performance marks a defining moment

The Tigst Assefa London Marathon 2025 victory and new women’s-only world record represent a significant milestone in marathon history. Assefa’s achievement further highlights the rapid evolution of women’s distance running and raises the bar for future competitors.

Her commanding finish in London, combined with her earlier achievements in mixed races like Berlin, showcases her remarkable range and resilience. Tigst Assefa’s success story continues to inspire runners around the world, and with the Paris Olympics just months away, she will undoubtedly be a favorite to watch.

As fans and fellow athletes reflect on Sunday’s race, the consensus is clear: Tigst Assefa delivered one of the most memorable performances in London Marathon history, cementing her status among the sport’s all-time greats.