Tigst Assefa Sets Women’s Only World Record in Stunning London Win

Assefa sets women’s only world record in London win with a dominant display of marathon brilliance

History was made on the streets of London as Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa shattered the women’s only world record at the 2025 London Marathon, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. Assefa, already an Olympic silver medallist and a rising star in distance running, surged clear of a talented field to win in a jaw-dropping time of 2:15:50 — slicing 26 seconds off the previous record.

With an exhilarating combination of tactical patience and fearless acceleration, Assefa set the women’s only world record in her London win by decisively pulling away from Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei with 10 kilometres remaining. From there, there was no looking back. Assefa powered through the final stretch, arms aloft, as the cheering London crowds roared her home in what was a truly historic moment for marathon running.

How Tigst Assefa London Marathon Masterclass Unfolded

From the start, the elite women’s race looked poised for drama. The field was stacked: Joyciline Jepkosgei, the 2021 London champion, was there. So was Sifan Hassan, the 2023 winner and Olympic gold medallist. But as the miles ticked by, it became clear that one athlete had an extra gear.

Assefa, looking composed and focused, stayed tucked into the lead group during the opening stages. The pace was fierce, but controlled. It wasn’t until after the halfway point that things really began to heat up. Around the 30km mark, Assefa made her move — a smooth yet devastating surge that immediately put daylight between herself and the rest.

By 35km, her lead over Jepkosgei was growing with every stride. The Kenyan, a formidable marathoner in her own right, simply had no answer to Assefa’s relentless tempo. Sifan Hassan, despite her incredible pedigree, was similarly left battling for a place on the podium rather than victory.

Crossing the finish line in 2:15:50, Assefa didn’t just win — she rewrote history. The previous women’s only world record, set by Peres Jepchirchir in London just a year earlier, was swept aside by a performance that blended endurance, speed, and courage in equal measure.

Assefa’s Record-Breaking London Win: A New Chapter for Women’s Marathoning

Tigst Assefa makes history again by setting women’s-only world record to win London Marathon 2025 – ‘A class apart’

Setting a world record is never easy, but doing it in a women’s only field — without male pacemakers — makes it even more special. In many ways, it highlights the evolution and growing depth of women’s distance running. Tigst Assefa’s triumph isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a signal of how the bar continues to rise in elite marathoning.

For Assefa, this moment is the culmination of years of hard work and resilience. After transitioning from track to road racing, she has steadily climbed the ranks, always showing glimpses of her tremendous potential. But in London, it all came together in spectacular fashion.

“I knew I was ready,” Assefa said afterwards, smiling as she was draped in the Ethiopian flag. “But to break the world record here in London, in this field, it’s a dream come true.”

The Battle for the Podium: Jepkosgei and Hassan Show Their Class

While Assefa stole the headlines, it would be wrong not to recognise the efforts of those who chased her home. Joyciline Jepkosgei, battling bravely after being dropped by Assefa, still managed a fantastic time of 2:18:43, securing second place.

Sifan Hassan, meanwhile, demonstrated her trademark grit and determination. The Dutch star, who stunned the world by winning the London Marathon two years ago in her debut over the distance, finished third in 2:18:59. Though she couldn’t repeat her heroics this time, Hassan’s performance showed her remarkable consistency and adaptability.

Both athletes will undoubtedly be back — hungry, determined, and eager to test themselves again against the new queen of the marathon.

What’s Next for Tigst Assefa After Her London Masterclass?

The question now is: just how far can Tigst Assefa go?

With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, and her confidence surely soaring after setting the women’s only world record in her London win, Assefa will undoubtedly be one of the favourites to claim gold. She has already proven that she can dominate in a major marathon against the best in the world — now, she has the chance to cement her legacy on the grandest stage of all.

Her performance in London also throws down the gauntlet to the rest of the marathon world. With the women’s records tumbling and the competition fiercer than ever, fans can look forward to an era where times once thought impossible are being achieved — and where runners like Tigst Assefa continue to push the sport into new territory.

Assefa Sets Women’s Only World Record in London Win: A Day to Remember for Distance Running

Tigst Assefa’s landmark victory shows the sky-high standards in women’s marathoning today

There are days in sport that feel bigger than the event itself. Days when records fall, when barriers are broken, and when history is written right before our eyes. Tigst Assefa’s stunning victory in London was one of those days.

In front of a roaring crowd and a watching world, Assefa set the women’s only world record in her London win, not just claiming a title, but carving her name into marathon folklore. It was a run for the ages — and if today’s performance is anything to go by, it’s only the beginning.