In a display of sheer athletic brilliance that will be etched in marathon folklore, Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir has obliterated the women's-only world record at the London Marathon. The Olympic champion produced a devastating final kick to stop the clock at an astonishing 2:16:16, slicing a staggering 45 seconds from the previous record.
The highly anticipated duel with Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa, the all-comers world record holder, lived up to its billing, creating a heart-stopping finale on the iconic streets of the British capital.
A Tactical Masterclass and a Grandstand Finish
The race unfolded as a tactical battle between the two pre-race favourites. For much of the 26.2-mile course, Jepchirchir and Assefa were inseparable, trading strides and testing each other's resolve. The defining moment came in the closing stages, where Jepchirchir's legendary finishing speed proved decisive.
Breaking away from Assefa, she powered towards The Mall, her historic victory met with a roar from the captivated London crowd. Assefa crossed the line just seven seconds later, cementing the race as one of the greatest head-to-head clashes in the event's history.
More Than Just a Victory
This victory transcends a simple win. Jepchirchir's record is a monumental statement in athletics, achieved in a women's-only race without the pacing advantages of male runners. It underscores her status as one of the greatest marathoners of all time, a rare athlete who possesses both Olympic gold and a world record.
The achievement also sets the stage for an electrifying showdown at the upcoming Paris Olympics, where Jepchirchir will aim to defend her title against a field that will undoubtedly include a determined Assefa.
For now, the sporting world salutes a new queen of the marathon, whose record-breaking run in London will be remembered for generations to come.
