Assefa breaks world record

ETHIOPIAN runner Tigst Assefa made history yesterday morning by breaking the women-only world record by 26 seconds, securing her victory in the London Marathon.

- By STUART JAMIESON, RACHEL STEINBERG, PA

The 28-year-old athlete clocked in at two hours, 15 minutes and 50 seconds, finally claiming gold after previously winning silver at last year’s marathon and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Assefa’s main competitor, Sifan Hassan, who had beaten her in Paris, was among the favourites in London but began to lag behind Assefa and Joyciline Jepkosgei. By the time they reached Canary Wharf station between the 18th and 19th miles, the leading duo had a two-minute lead over Hassan.