The 2025 London Marathon didn’t deliver the men’s world record some expected — but it gave us nearly everything else. On a warm spring day, the city hosted a race packed with drama, dominance, and nuance: a women’s-only world record, a contentious mid-race surge, and a handful of standout debuts, all set against the electric backdrop of one of the sport’s most beloved courses.
From Tigist Assefa’s wire-to-wire masterclass to a blistering (and hotly debated) surge in the men’s race that changed everything, this was one for the books. Marathon Handbook’s editorial crew was there on the ground and in the media center — and here’s our full breakdown, segment by segment.
🕵️ Vibe Check: “Sensational”
The streets of London were alive in a way only major marathons can inspire — the whole city felt like it existed for the race. With a reported 56,000+ finishers, many running for charity, the marathon once again showcased its power as a community event and sporting spectacle. When the headcount was complete, the London Marathon is (for now) the biggest marathon of all time in terms of finishers.
🔥 Overreaction, Underreaction, or Fair Reaction?
“The women’s-only world record was a big deal.”
🟩 Fair reaction.
Tigist Assefa’s 2:15:50 was both dominant and decisive. While the drama fans hoped for in a rematch with Sifan Hassan didn’t materialize, Assefa’s ability to solo nearly half the race in warm weather and still break the tape with a record makes it a marquee moment — even if she narrowly missed Paula Radcliffe’s longstanding course record.
“Sifan Hassan’s third-place finish was disappointing.”
🟩 Fair reaction.
Yes, she closed like a freight train, clawing back nearly 2 minutes in the final 2K, but Hassan never looked comfortable. Her yo-yo pacing, admitted struggles with heat and fitness, and lack of that signature closing kick mark this as one of her least Hassan-like marathons. Still, a 2:19:00 in these conditions is no joke.
“Eliud Kipchoge is finished as a world-beater.”
🟨 Depends on your definition.
Kipchoge was dropped when Sebastian Sawe detonated the race at 30K, but the marathon G.O.A.T. still finished sixth in 2:05:25 — faster than most elites will ever run. At 40, he’s not contending for wins at the fastest races anymore, but he remains a cultural and competitive force. Watch for him in Sydney and New York later this year.
“Jacob Kiplimo’s debut was underwhelming.”
🟥 Overreaction.
The half-marathon world record holder ran 2:03:37 in his debut, placing second. That’s faster than Kipchoge’s debut, and he looked composed. He didn’t break the mold like Kelvin Kiptum, but he’ll be back — and better.
“Sebastian Sawe is the next one.”
🟥 Overreaction
Sawe’s 4:18 mile at 30K dropped everyone — but it came during a nutrition zone. That rubbed our news editor Jessy Carveth (and pro cyclist) the wrong way. He may be fast (very fast), but questions linger about his racing etiquette and whether he can win without a sneak attack. Still, his résumé (wins in Valencia and London, both sub-2:03) is elite.
👟 “Winners” Outside the Podium
- Eilish McColgan (or Elish, depending on who you ask): Finally made her marathon debut, stole the family record from her mother, and placed eighth in 2:24:25.
- Alexander Mutiso: Last year’s winner gutted out a photo-finish for third, edging Abdi Nageeye with a vicious sprint.
- Alex Yee: The Olympic triathlon champ debuted in 2:11:08, finishing 14th and showing promise.
- The London Crowd: A massive, energized presence made this edition feel even more global and grand.
😬 Who “Lost?” The Most in London?
- Tamerat Tola: The reigning Olympic champ faded to fifth with a 2:04:42. Not a terrible day, but far below expectations.
- Sifan Hassan (again): We expect her to win or die trying. Today, she tried and looked mortal.
- Some of the American and British hopefuls: Susanna Sullivan and Philly Bowden were among those who didn’t make the leap.
❓ One Burning Question
When — and who — will go after a legitimate sub-2:00 marathon next?
Kelvin Kiptum was the heir apparent until his tragic death. Now, the field is wide open. Sebastian Sawe? Maybe. Jacob Kiplimo? Possibly, with more experience. But the necessary combo of talent, risk-taking, weather, pacing, and perfect race conditions remains elusive. Berlin, Chicago, or Valencia could be the stage — but the runner remains unknown.
🧥 Bonus Gear Take: The New Balance London Jacket
Verdict? A bit of a letdown. Understated black with gray-on-black logos failed to offer the visual flair many runners want in their hard-earned memorabilia. As Jesse noted: “You can barely tell it’s from London.” We expect better in 2026.
