Tigst Assefa Sets New Women’s Only World Record With Stunning London Marathon Victory.
Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa stormed to a remarkable victory at the London Marathon, setting a new world record for a women’s only race.
The Olympic silver medallist pulled away from Kenya’s 2021 champion Joyciline Jepkosgei with 10 kilometres remaining, before crossing the finish line in an astonishing time of two hours, 15 minutes, and 50 seconds.
Assefa’s performance shaved 26 seconds off the previous record set by Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya at last year’s London Marathon, cementing her place in history with a dominant display on the streets of the capital.
Jepkosgei, who stayed with Assefa for much of the race, finished second in 2:18:43, while reigning Olympic champion and 2023 London winner Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands claimed third place in 2:18:59.
It was a commanding performance from Assefa, who timed her move to perfection, surging clear in the final stages and maintaining a relentless pace to rewrite the record books.
The London crowd, lining the route in their thousands, witnessed an unforgettable moment in athletics history, as Assefa delivered one of the finest marathon performances ever seen in the city.
Full elite women’s race results:
– Tigst Assefa (Ethiopia) – 2:15:50
– Joyciline Jepkosgei (Kenya) – 2:18:43
– Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) – 2:18:59
