Tigst Assefa Shatters Women's-Only World Record as Sabastian Sawe Wins 2026 London Marathon
Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa has set a stunning new women's-only world record of 2:15:50 at the 2026 TCS London Marathon, while Kenya's Sabastian Sawe claimed the men's title in 2:02:27 — with Swiss wheelchair champions Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner also taking victory in a spectacular 46th edition of the race.
Background
The London Marathon, one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, returned to the streets of the capital today for its 46th edition, with nearly 59,000 runners completing the 26.2-mile course from Greenwich Park to The Mall. The event is the world's biggest annual one-day fundraising event, having raised £87.3 million for charity in 2025.
Key Developments
Tigst Assefa, the defending champion, delivered a breathtaking performance to set a new world record for a women's-only race, clocking 2:15:50 — improving on her own previous mark. The Ethiopian star had expressed confidence in her preparation ahead of the race, and she delivered on that promise in front of the watching BBC cameras. Her time also surpasses Paula Radcliffe's long-standing London Marathon course record of 2:15:25, set with male pacers in 2003.
In the men's race, Sabastian Sawe of Kenya retained his title with a time of 2:02:27, though he fell short of Kelvin Kiptum's course record of 2:01:25. In the wheelchair categories, Marcel Hug of Switzerland secured his seventh London Marathon victory — moving within one of David Weir's record of eight wins — while Catherine Debrunner of Switzerland retained her women's wheelchair title.
British athletes Eilish McColgan and Jess Warner-Judd competed in the elite women's field, while Mahamed Mahamed, Phil Sesemann, and Patrick Dever represented Great Britain in the men's race. Weather conditions were favourable, with temperatures between 11°C and 18°C and bright skies.
Why It Matters
Assefa's world record is a landmark moment for women's marathon running, demonstrating the continued progression of the women's-only world record. The London Marathon remains one of the fastest courses in the world and a key fixture in the global athletics calendar. The event also raised millions for charity, continuing its tradition as the world's most significant annual fundraising run.
What's Next
The ballot for the 2027 TCS London Marathon opened on Friday 24 April. Organisers are in discussions about a potential two-day event in 2027 that could allow 100,000 finishers and raise over £130 million for charity. Assefa is expected to compete at the World Athletics Championships later in 2026.
