2025 London Marathon Sets Multiple Records as Sawe and Assefa Reign Supreme

The 2025 London Marathon concluded in spectacular fashion today, delivering thrilling races and a series of record-breaking performances that set the entire city alight.

In the men’s elite race, Kenya’s rising star Sabastian Sawe claimed victory with a time of 2:02:27, setting a new personal best and becoming the second-fastest runner in London Marathon history. He surged ahead in the final 10 kilometers, pulling away from a formidable lead pack that included Eliud Kipchoge and Jacob Kiplimo. Half-marathon world record holder Kiplimo finished second in 2:03:37, while defending champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao took third in 2:04:20. The legendary Kipchoge, now 40, placed sixth and stated after the race, “I have nothing left to prove to anyone.”

In the women’s elite race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa delivered a historic run, winning in 2:15:50 and breaking the women-only world record, previously held by Peres Jepchirchir. Joyciline Jepkosgei came second in 2:18:44, with Dutch star Sifan Hassan finishing third in 2:19:00. Assefa said, “I’m overjoyed with the win and the record. Huge thanks to my team for their support.” Hassan revealed she struggled with breathing issues that affected her performance.

The wheelchair races continued to be dominated by Swiss athletes. Marcel Hug claimed his seventh London men’s wheelchair title — his fifth consecutive win — in 1:25:25. Fellow Swiss racer Catherine Debrunner set a new course record to take the women’s title for a third consecutive year, finishing in 1:34:18. Debrunner praised the perfect weather and course, which allowed her to go all out.

British athletes also shone. Eilish McColgan, in her marathon debut, finished eighth in 2:24:25, breaking the Scottish national record and surpassing the best London Marathon time set by her mother, Liz McColgan. In the wheelchair race, Eden Rainbow-Cooper finished fourth in 1:44:49, demonstrating steady progress.

A particularly heartwarming moment came from Jason Kenny, the seven-time Olympic cycling gold medallist, who completed his first marathon. He described the experience as “brutal but beautiful,” swept up in the emotional tide of tens of thousands of fellow runners.

According to the race director, the event saw a world-record number of starters, with finishers expected to reach historic levels as well.

The course was not only about speed and records, but also filled with countless moving stories — runners honoring loved ones, raising funds for charity, or simply chasing their dreams. Each participant shared their own journey through every stride. Today, London bore witness to the pinnacle of speed, the glory of endurance, and the quiet brilliance of the human spirit.