Assefa’s Record-Breaking London Marathon Victory Stuns the World

Tigst Assefa Triumphs in London Marathon with Record-Breaking Performance

In a thrilling display of endurance and strategy, Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia clinched her first London Marathon title on Sunday. The race was a nail-biter until the final stretch, where Assefa managed to pull away from her closest competitor, Joyciline Jepkosgei, to secure the victory.

Assefa crossed the finish line with an unofficial time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 50 seconds. This remarkable time is the fastest ever recorded in a women’s-only marathon. However, it was just 25 seconds shy of the course record set by Paula Radcliffe in 2003, which was achieved during a mixed race. The previous women’s-only record of 2:16:16 was set last year in London by Peres Jepchirchir, making Assefa’s achievement all the more impressive.

On the men’s side, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe made a stunning debut in major marathons by winning the race with an unofficial time of 2:02:29. This victory marks a significant milestone in Sawe’s career and sets the stage for what could be a promising future in marathon running.

For Assefa, this victory is particularly sweet. At 28 years old, she has been a formidable presence in the marathon circuit, finishing second in both London and at the Paris Olympics last year. With this win, she adds the London Marathon title to her two Berlin Marathon victories. Unlike her experience in Paris, where the race ended in a sprint finish, Assefa ensured there would be no such drama this time. She strategically left Jepkosgei behind with just a few kilometers remaining, running solo along the Thames and through central London to the finish line in front of Buckingham Palace.

Jepkosgei, who won the London Marathon in 2021, finished almost three minutes behind Assefa with a time of 2:18:44. Olympic champion Sifan Hassan rounded out the top three, showcasing the high level of competition in this year’s race.

The wheelchair events also saw impressive performances, with a Swiss double victory. Marcel Hug claimed his sixth London Marathon title with a time of 1:25:25, while Catherine Debrunner won her third women’s title in four years, finishing in 1:34:18. Debrunner narrowly missed breaking her own world record by just two seconds, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

This year’s London Marathon was a record-breaking affair in more ways than one. A world-record 56,000 runners were expected to participate in the 26.2-mile race, which began at Greenwich Park and followed a scenic route along the Thames before concluding on The Mall. The sheer number of participants highlights the enduring popularity and global appeal of the London Marathon.

• Key Highlights:
• Tigst Assefa sets a new women’s-only marathon record with a time of 2:15:50.
• Sabastian Sawe wins the men’s race in his major marathon debut with a time of 2:02:29.
• Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner secure victories in the wheelchair events.
• A record 56,000 runners participated in the marathon.

The London Marathon continues to be a stage where records are broken, and legends are made. Assefa’s victory is a testament to her resilience and strategic prowess, and it will be exciting to see how she builds on this success in future races. For now, the marathon world celebrates a day of extraordinary achievements and unforgettable moments.