Did Assefa Just Break the Women-Only World Marathon Record in London?
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Synopsis
Ethiopian runner Tigist Assefa has made history by breaking the women-only world marathon record at the London Marathon with a stunning time of 2:15:50. This achievement highlights her remarkable talent and determination. In a thrilling race, Assefa outpaced her competitors, setting a new benchmark for female marathoners worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Tigist Assefa set a new women-only world marathon record at 2:15:50.
- She broke the previous record by 26 seconds.
- Assefa's victory marks her first win at the London Marathon.
- The race featured a strong field with multiple elite competitors.
- The men's race was won by Sabastian Sawe in 2:02:27.
London, April 27 (NationPress) Ethiopia's Tigist Assefa shattered the women-only world record at the London Marathon by an impressive 26 seconds, finishing with a time of 2:15:50 and securing victory in the prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label road race on Sunday.
The Olympic silver medalist surged ahead of Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei to claim her inaugural London Marathon title, after previously finishing second to Peres Jepchirchir last year.
Jepchirchir's record from last year, a winning time of 2:16:16, was the previous women-only world record that Assefa exceeded with her strong finish, almost three minutes ahead of Jepkosgei, who clocked in at 2:18:43. Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands secured third place with a time of 2:18:59, as reported by World Athletics.
Given the caliber of the competitors, the women-only world record was a clear objective. The leading group, which included Jepkosgei, Assefa, Hassan, and Megertu Alemu, raced through the first 5 km in a blistering 15:34, well under the target pace of 2:15 and even on track for a sub-2:12 finish.
This pace continued through the 10 km mark, reached in 31:16. By the halfway point, Assefa and Jepchirchir had broken away, passing in 1:06:40, 10 seconds ahead of Hassan.
The leading duo maintained their pace, and at the 35 km mark of 1:52:12, Assefa made her decisive move. A stunning 5:03 for the 24th mile marked the turning point, and by 40 km, Assefa had pulled ahead by 56 seconds.
She finished strong, crossing the line with a time of 2:15:50—the second-fastest marathon of her career, behind the 2:11:53 she achieved in Berlin earlier in 2023, which was then a world record for a women's marathon in a mixed race.
Meanwhile, the men's race saw Kenya's Sabastian Sawe take victory, finishing in 2:02:27, making it the second-fastest London Marathon to date. Uganda's Jacob Kiplimo debuted with a strong second-place finish at 2:03:37.
Point of View
I recognize that Tigist Assefa's monumental achievement at the London Marathon is a testament to her dedication and skill. Such feats not only elevate the sport but also inspire future generations of athletes. At Nation, we celebrate this historic moment in women's sports and the relentless spirit of competitors like Assefa.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Tigist Assefa break?
Tigist Assefa broke the women-only world marathon record, finishing the London Marathon in 2:15:50.
What was the previous record before Assefa's achievement?
The previous women-only world record was 2:16:16, set by Peres Jepchirchir in the previous year's London Marathon.
Who were the other top finishers in the race?
Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei finished second with a time of 2:18:43, and Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands came in third at 2:18:59.
How significant is Assefa's time in marathon history?
Assefa's time of 2:15:50 is not only a new world record but also the second-fastest marathon of her career.
What was the men's race outcome?
The men's race was won by Kenya's Sabastian Sawe, who finished in 2:02:27, marking it as the second-fastest London Marathon ever.
