Assefa Shatters “Women Only” Marathon World Record

In a stunning display of athleticism, Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia dominated the London Marathon, setting a new world record in the “Women Only” category. Assefa’s time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 50 seconds shattered the previous record of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds held by Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir. Assefa’s performance not only secured her victory but also marked the fastest women’s marathon time of the year.

The “Women Only” designation refers to races where female athletes start separately from men, eliminating the pacing advantage that male runners can provide. This distinction highlights the incredible achievements of female marathoners in a pure, unadulterated competition.

“This victory is a testament to years of dedication and unwavering belief in my abilities.”

Tigst Assefa, London Marathon Winner

Podium Finishes and National Records

Following Assefa’s remarkable performance, Jepkosgei secured second place, finishing nearly three minutes behind with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 43 seconds. sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, an Olympian bound for Paris, claimed the third spot with a time of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 59 seconds, despite losing ground midway through the race.

The marathon also witnessed national pride as Sofiia Yaremchuk of Italy set a new Italian record with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 14 seconds. Her consistent performance throughout the race allowed her to shave two seconds off her previous record, established in Valencia on December 3, 2023. This achievement is notably noteworthy considering the separate starts for men and women, which required Yaremchuk to navigate crucial phases of the race independently.

Historically, Sara Dossena held the best Italian chrono in a women-only race, with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes in the 2019 Nagoya marathon.

Sawe Triumphs in Men’s Race, Crippa’s Disappointment

in the men’s division, Kenyan Sabastian Sawe emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 27 seconds. this marked only his second career marathon and secured the tenth-best all-time performance, as well as the second-best time ever recorded at the London Marathon. His time is also the fastest marathon time recorded worldwide in 2025.

Jacob Kiprimo of Uganda made an impressive debut, finishing second with a national record time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, and 37 seconds. Alexander Mutiso of Kenya, the previous year’s winner, secured third place with a time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 20 seconds, edging out Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands, who also achieved a national record and the fourth-best European performance ever with the same time.

Unfortunately,the race was cut short for Yeman Crippa of Italy,who had to stop between the 30th and 35th kilometer marks. He was positioned eleventh at the 30km mark, trailing the leading group by one minute and eighteen seconds, projecting a potential Italian record. Despite maintaining a consistent pace of 2:58 per kilometer in the first half (1 hour, 1 minute, and 55 seconds), he slowed down considerably afterward.

The Enduring Appeal of the London Marathon

The London Marathon continues to captivate audiences worldwide,showcasing the incredible dedication and resilience of athletes from diverse backgrounds. The event not only celebrates athletic achievement but also inspires individuals to push their own limits and strive for greatness.The records broken and personal bests achieved in the 2025 race will undoubtedly resonate for years to come, solidifying the London Marathon’s place as a premier event in the world of long-distance running.

The London Marathon is more then just a race; it’s a symbol of human potential and the unwavering spirit of competition.Assefa’s record-breaking performance and Sawe’s triumphant victory serve as a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.