After a 2024 in which she was forced to settle for second place in both London and at the Paris Olympics – not to mention being usurped as the world record-holder – Tigist Assefa produced a statement marathon win in the English capital on Sunday (April 27).
Paula Radcliffe’s course record of 2:15:25 survived but the women’s-only world record fell as the Ethiopian clocked 2:15:50, well inside the mark of 2:16:16 set by Peres Jepchirchir in winning London last year.
Following a searing opening half of 66:40, Assefa won the battle for survival in the increasingly warm conditions, making what proved to be the crucial move just before Blackfriars tunnel at the 24-mile mark to see off the challenge of 2021 winner Joyciline Kepkosgei.
The Kenyan was left a distant second in 2:18:43, while Sifan Hassan – who so memorably and dramatically beat Assefa to the Olympic marathon title last summer – was third in 2:19:00.
On her marathon debut, Eilish McColgan broke the Scottish record and was the first British woman home, coming eighth in 2:24:25.
More to follow…
