Ethiopian distance runner Tigst Assefa narrowly missed the women’s marathon world record at the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, despite producing a remarkable performance and winning the race in a course-record time of 2:11:04.

Assefa remained on the world-record pace for much of the race and was still ahead of the required tempo with only two kilometres remaining. However, she began struggling with a foot problem in the closing stages, visibly limping as her pace dropped.

Despite the setback, the Ethiopian held on to cross the finish line first. Her time was 49 seconds faster than her previous Berlin course record of 2:11:53, set in 2023. It was also the third-fastest women’s marathon time recorded in history at the time of the race.

Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich’s world record of 2:09:56, set in Chicago in 2024, therefore remains intact.

Assefa’s compatriots Bedatu Hirpa and Dera Dida completed the women’s podium, while Guye Adola won the men’s race in 2:02:50.