Tigst Assefa breaks the women’s marathon world record in Berlin 2023
World record holder Tigst Assefa leads the elite women’s race at the London Marathon.
The Ethiopian’s incredible time of 2:11:53 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon shaved more than two minutes off the previous record of 2:14.04 set by Brigid Kosgei of Kenya.
Kosgei and fellow Kenyan Ruth Chepgetich are also in the race, meaning three of the four fastest women in history will be competing in London.
The race will be held on April 21st.
The all-women’s world record is 2:17:01, set by fellow Kenyan Mary Keitany at the 2017 London Marathon.
This record could be broken by Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya and Assefa’s fellow Ethiopian Yaremzelf Yewarau (London 2022 winner), joining a group that could also chase this record. It’s in.
“We are entering a golden age for women’s marathons,” said Hugh Brasher, London Marathon event director.
“Despite this, the women’s world record of 2:17:01, set by the great Mary Keitany at the 2017 London Marathon, surprisingly remains intact.
“However, I was impressed by the fact that a total of 10 women ran under 2 hours 17 minutes 30 seconds, including Tigst Assefa, Brigid Kosgei, Rus Chepgetic, Peres Jepchirchir and Jaremselv Yewalau. So I think Keitany’s world record is on the verge of being broken.”It will be under serious threat at the 2024 London Marathon. ”
New York City Marathon champion Tamirat Thora topped the men’s division.
The Ethiopian will be competing against his country’s Mosinet Geremeu, who is seventh fastest in history, and Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso Munyao, who finished second in the 2023 Valencia Marathon.
Emile Careless is a leading British expert in the men’s field. He ran last year’s London Marathon in a time of 2:08:07, making him the third fastest British marathoner of all time.
2022 World Indoor Championships bronze medalist over 3,000 meters, Mark Scott, will make his marathon debut.