TOKYO2025: Jepchirchir holds off Assefa to deliver Kenya’s second gold medal
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 14.09.25. | 03:59
The Olympic champion held her composure in a tense final sprint, surging over the last 200 metres to stop the clock at 2:24:43
Peres Jepchirchir powered to victory in the women’s marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Sunday, 14 September, clinching Kenya's second gold medal of the championships.
The Olympic champion held her composure in a tense final sprint, surging over the last 200 metres to stop the clock at 2:24:43.
Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, the reigning Olympic silver medallist, finished a close second in 2:24:45, just two seconds adrift in one of the most thrilling marathon finishes in recent memory.
Uruguay's Julia Paternain completed the podium in 2:27:23, remarkably becoming the first Uruguayan athlete ever to medal at a World Championships, so focused on the effort, she appeared unaware she had crossed the line.
Jepchirchir’s triumph adds to Kenya’s growing medal tally, following Beatrice Chebet’s sensational gold in the women’s 10,000m on Saturday.
With her victory, Jepchirchir not only underlined her reputation as one of the world’s finest marathoners but also reinforced Kenya’s enduring dominance on the global distance running stage.
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Returning to the country where she won Olympic gold four years ago, the seasoned road runner delivered a tactical masterclass.
For much of the 42.195 km contest, Jepchirchir and Assefa ran shoulder to shoulder, trading surges in a battle of nerves.
It was not until the final kilometre, as they entered the National Stadium, that the race cracked open.
Assefa launched the first move, but Jepchirchir responded with trademark patience.
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Then, with just 60 metres to go, the Kenyan uncorked a devastating kick, pulling away to cut the tape joyfully in a Season’s Best 2:24:43.
Assefa, unable to close the gap, settled for silver once again on the global stage, while Paternain sealed her historic bronze.
Other notable results saw Kenya’s Jackline Cherono finish 18th in 2:33:17, while Magdalene Masai was forced to step off at the 35km mark.
American Susanna Sullivan, who bravely led solo for more than 10 miles, eventually faded to fourth after being caught by the lead pack in the 18th mile.
For Jepchirchir, this victory is the latest jewel in an already glittering career.
Between 2021 and 2022, she became the only athlete to win the Olympic, Boston, and New York City marathons in a span of just eight months.
She added the London Marathon title in 2024, breaking the women’s-only world record in the process.
Assefa, meanwhile, struck back earlier this year by reclaiming that world record en route to winning the 2025 London Marathon.
In Tokyo, though, it was Jepchirchir who reigned supreme, ensuring Kenya reclaimed the marathon crown from Ethiopia and cementing her legacy as one of the greatest road runners of all time.
