London Marathon: Tigst Assefa set new women’s-only world record in 2:15:41 as three women break 2:16

History unfolded in spectacular fashion at the 2026 London Marathon as Tigst Assefa delivered a sensational performance to defend her title and break the women’s-only world record with a time of 2:15:41.

In an extraordinary race, three women finished under 2:16 for the first time ever, with Kenya’s Hellen Obiri clocking 2:15:53 for a massive personal best and Joyciline Jepkosgei finishing just behind in 2:15:55.

Assefa improved her own previous women’s-only world record by nine seconds, capping a thrilling tactical battle between the trio.

Pacemakers Tsige Gebreselama and Miriam Chebet guided the field through halfway in 1:06:12, but the decisive moment came late. The leading three remained inseparable through 40 km, matching splits stride for stride before Assefa gradually lifted the pace in the final kilometer.

Turning onto The Mall, the Ethiopian had created just enough separation to seal victory.

Notably, the long-standing course record of 2:15:25, set by Paula Radcliffe in 2003 in a mixed-gender race, remains intact.

Among the home athletes, Eilish McColgan led the British contingent, finishing seventh in 2:24:51. Just behind, Uruguay’s Julia Paternain impressed with a personal best of 2:25:47, setting a new national record.

On a day already marked by a sub-two-hour men’s performance, the women’s race delivered its own legacy moment—redefining the limits of marathon running.

Top Results Women's Marathon:

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