Ethiopian star defends title with historic run in a tightly contested race

Tigst Assefa delivered another standout performance on April 26, 2026, winning the London Marathon and setting a new women-only world record of 2:15:41. The time shaved nine seconds off her previous mark, which she set on the same course in 2025.

The 29-year-old retained her title in dominant fashion, reinforcing her position as one of the leading marathon runners in the world.

Understanding the Record

In elite marathons, women’s races are often run without male pacemakers. This format leads to a separate category known as the women-only world record, recognized by World Athletics.

Assefa now holds this record for the second year in a row at London. Her latest run continues a trend of rapid progress in the women’s marathon, with the record falling repeatedly on this course in recent years.

A Competitive Race

The race developed into a close contest in its final stages. Assefa ran alongside Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei for much of the distance. The three remained together until late in the race, pushing each other to a fast pace.

In the closing kilometers, Assefa made her move. She accelerated away from her rivals and secured a clear lead before crossing the finish line.

Obiri finished second in 2:15:53, a personal best, while Jepkosgei took third place in 2:15:55. All three runners completed the race in under 2:16, a rare result in a women-only field.

Building a Legacy

This latest victory adds to Assefa’s record in major marathons. She has now won four World Marathon Majors, including back-to-back victories in London and earlier wins in Berlin. Her 2023 Berlin performance also produced a former absolute world record.

She also claimed a silver medal at the Olympic Games in 2024, further strengthening her profile on the global stage.

Dominance in London

Assefa has shown a strong connection with the London course. Her back-to-back wins, each with record-breaking times, underline her ability to perform at the highest level in major races.

Her consistency and race management continue to set her apart. At 29, she remains in peak condition, and her recent performances suggest there is still room for faster times in the future.

The 2026 race confirmed her control of the event once again, with a performance that combined pace, timing, and strength under pressure.

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