The 2025 London Marathon women’s race more than lived up to its historic billing, with Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa delivering a truly unforgettable performance in front of a roaring London crowd.
A Tactical Battle Turns Into a Record Run
From the opening miles, it was clear that the pace was going to be red-hot. Led by Assefa and Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, the front of the women’s race was locked in a fierce, unrelenting tempo — one that immediately put the women’s-only world record of 2:16:16 under threat.
Assefa and Jepkosgei worked together through 30K, but signs of strain began to show. Sifan Hassan, the reigning Olympic champion and 2024 London winner, who had been hanging with the leaders early, slipped off the back of the group just after halfway as the searing pace took its toll.
By 40K, Assefa had begun to pull away decisively, forging a gap over Jepkosgei. With The Mall in sight and history within her grasp, she powered to the line to an eruption of cheers.
A New Chapter in Marathon History
Tigst Assefa crossed the finish line in 2:15:50, smashing the previous women’s-only world record of 2:16:16 — set by Peres Jepchirchir in London just last year. It was a moment of sheer dominance and redemption for Assefa, who captured silver in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics and had been eyeing a major win ever since.
Jepkosgei, 31, finished second in 2:18:44, a strong performance but ultimately unable to match Assefa’s historic day. Sifan Hassan gamely hung on for third, crossing the line in 2:19:00, completing an all-time great podium in marathon history.
Final Podium:
🥇 Tigst Assefa (ETH) — 2:15:50 (New women’s-only world record)
🥈 Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) — 2:18:44
🥉 Sifan Hassan (NED) — 2:19:00
Adidas Dominance on Display
It was also a banner day for Adidas, with both Assefa and Jepkosgei representing the brand at the top of the podium. The performance further solidified Adidas’ dominance in the world of elite marathon racing, as the brand continues to push innovation with its record-setting super shoes.
What Comes Next?
Tigst Assefa’s commanding performance in London not only delivered a new women’s-only world record but also redefined the standard for championship-style marathoning. After her silver medal in Paris last summer, Sunday’s win confirmed her status as the most dangerous runner in the sport when the stakes are highest.
With the 2025 World Championships still ahead, Assefa’s dominance will shape the narratives — and the strategies — for the rest of the season. For now, London belongs to her, and the rest of the world will have to catch up.
Women’s elite race Top 10
- Tigst Assefa (ETH) 2:15:50
- Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) 2:18:44
- Sifan Hassan (NED) 2:19:00
- Haven Hailu Desse (ETH) 2:19:17
- Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) 2:22:32
- Stella Chesang (UGA) 2:22:42
- Sofiia Yaremchuk (ITA) 2:23:14
- Eilish McColgan (GBR) 2:24:25
- Rose Harvey (GBR) 2:25:01
- Susanna Sullivan (USA) 2:29:30
Please. What is “women’s only”? Everything online says that it’s a race with only female runners. I’m pretty sure there were men running the Boston marathon. Exactly what “world record” was set here?
It means there were no males on the course – which includes pacers.
Thanks for your note.
But, that’s not an answer.
Sorry for the brain blip in the original post. But, “I’m pretty sure there were men running the London marathon.”
Indeed, Marathon Handbook posted that Sebastian Sawe was the “men’s” first place finisher.
Therefore, according to your own reporting, there were indeed “males on the course” who were competitors. (Presumably, there were also male pacers out there that day, because, reality – or did you mean to suggest that male competitors are allowed to follow pacers and female competitors are not.)
And, as a follow up, it appears that Paula Radcliffe’s faster time than this year’s female record setter was achieved when she was running against men. So, it’s the fastest time ever, by any gender competitor? That doesn’t hold up when one reviews the historical data.
This “women-only” category makes no sense. And, I can’t find a reliable explanation anywhere online.
Kyra,
The elite women’s race started first, so there were only women on the course – including the pacemakers – for that specific race.
Agreed that this record / rule is not that clear or easy to understand; it’s main aim, I believe, is to nullify any potential benefit of having a male pacemaker on the course.
Thanks,
Thomas