Tigst Assefa Aims to Break Record at London Marathon

Tigst Assefa is set to defend her London Marathon title on Sunday, aiming to break her own women's-only world record of 2:15:50.

What's at stake for Tigst Assefa?

Assefa believes her training will allow her to run faster than her record time from last year. She expects the pacemakers to set a fast half-distance time, enabling her to push for a new record.

Who are Tigst Assefa's rivals?

Joyciline Jepkosgei, the world's fastest female marathoner in 2025 with a 2:14:00 time in Valencia, will be competing against Assefa. Hellen Obiri, a two-time winner in Boston and New York City, will make her London debut. Assefa's record attempt will also threaten Paula Radcliffe's 2:15:25 London Marathon record time from 2003.

What's the current form of Tigst Assefa?

Assefa has been training well and is confident of her abilities, having set the women's-only world record in 2025. Her main goal is to lower her record time and defend her title. The men's field features top athletes like Sabastian Sawe, Jacob Kiplimo, and Yomif Kejelcha. Sawe, the world's top marathoner, has run three career marathons, all in sub-2:02:30 times.

What comes next for Tigst Assefa?

A successful record attempt will cement Assefa's position as one of the top female marathon runners. She will face stiff competition from her rivals, but her training and confidence make her a strong contender. The London Marathon will be a key test for Assefa, with the outcome determining her next steps in the athletic season. Assefa's current record of 2:15:50 was set on April 21, 2025, and she will aim to beat this time on Sunday.