Tigst Assefa of Ethiopia has made history at the 2025 London Marathon, smashing the women’s-only world record with an astonishing performance that captivated both fans and fellow runners. Assefa crossed the finish line in a blistering time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, and 10 seconds, setting a new world record for a women-only marathon event.
Assefa’s incredible feat marks a new chapter in marathon history, further cementing her status as one of the world’s top distance runners. Her time eclipses the previous women’s-only marathon record by a full 2 minutes, a remarkable achievement considering the extreme physical and mental demands of such a race.
The London Marathon, known for its elite competition and strong field of international runners, provided the perfect backdrop for Assefa’s record-breaking run. She had already been a strong contender in the marathon scene, but her performance in this race elevated her to an entirely new level.
“I can’t believe it. This is a dream come true,” Assefa said shortly after crossing the finish line, visibly emotional. “I worked so hard for this moment. To break the record here in London, with so many fans cheering, it’s an unforgettable feeling.”
Before her record-breaking performance, Assefa was already recognized for her incredible stamina and speed, having posted impressive times in previous marathons. However, her victory in London stands out as one of the most significant moments in her career. Assefa’s consistency and focus in the race were clear as she maintained a strong pace from the start, leaving behind a talented field of competitors.
Ethiopia has long been known for producing some of the world’s best distance runners, and Assefa’s achievement only adds to the country’s rich marathon legacy. Her victory is a testament to the rigorous training and dedication that Ethiopian athletes bring to the world stage.
The women’s-only marathon world record is a highly sought-after title, as it provides an exclusive achievement for female athletes who compete without male pacemakers or competitors. Assefa’s victory sets a new benchmark for women in distance running, inspiring future generations of female athletes to aim higher and break boundaries.
London Marathon director, Hugh Brasher, praised Assefa’s performance, saying, “What Tigst achieved today was simply extraordinary. To witness such a historic run is an honor for everyone involved in this event. Her determination and skill are remarkable, and she has set a new standard for women’s marathon running.”
Looking ahead, Assefa is set to become one of the most talked-about names in the world of athletics. With future marathons to come, including the prestigious Berlin Marathon and New York City Marathon, the question now is how much further she can push the limits of women’s marathon running.
“I’ll keep working hard, setting new goals,” Assefa reflected. “But for now, I’m going to enjoy this moment and celebrate with my team and my family. This victory belongs to all of us.”
Assefa’s victory is not just a testament to her talent but also an inspiration for female athletes around the globe. Her achievement shows that with hard work, determination, and perseverance, records can be broken, and new standards can be set. Her performance will no doubt be remembered as one of the greatest moments in marathon history.
As the crowd in London erupted in applause, it was clear that Tigst Assefa had secured her place in the annals of marathon history, and her name will be forever etched as the holder of the women’s-only marathon world record.
