The 2025 Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris was a celebration of athletic brilliance, and once again, it was African marathon runners who stole the show. In both the men’s and women’s races, East African athletes showcased their prowess, endurance, and championship spirit, reinforcing a legacy of Paris had African marathon runners dominating one of the world’s most prestigious races.
Women’s Race: Ethiopian Power on Display
In a dramatic finish, 25-year-old Bedatu Hirpa of Ethiopia stormed to victory in the women’s race, crossing the line in 2:20:45. She overtook her compatriot Dera Dida in the final meters, winning by just four seconds in a gripping replay of their earlier showdown in Dubai, where Hirpa also claimed victory.
Kenya’s Angela Tanui, another top-tier marathoner, delivered a powerful performance to finish third in 2:21:07. After the race, Hirpa shared her emotion:
“I roared as I went over the finish line because I really wanted to win the Marathon de Paris. I was over the moon and wanted to express just how happy I was. It was a tough race, but victory washes away the suffering.”
Men’s Race: Kenya’s Young Star Breaks Through
In the men’s category, Kenya’s Benard Biwott, just 22 years old, made a bold move at kilometre 33, breaking away from the lead pack and never looking back. He clocked a new personal best of 2:05:25, shaving eight seconds off the previous year’s winning time and showing the world that a new marathon titan has arrived.
Djibouti’s Ibrahim Hassan came second in 2:06:13, followed closely by Kenya’s Sila Kiptoo in 2:06:21—showcasing the depth of talent across East Africa.
“I’m really happy with the win,” said Biwott. “I pushed hard all the way and I’m really pleased with my time. It was very tough, but I gave it everything I had.”
This was Biwott’s second marathon win, following his breakthrough in Frankfurt last October.
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Africa Shines on the World Stage
African dominance in the Paris Marathon is nothing new. Over the years, legends from Kenya and Ethiopia have etched their names into the event’s history books. In previous editions, Ethiopian stars like Mulugeta Uma and Mestawut Fikir captured both men’s and women’s titles, adding to the continent’s celebrated legacy.
As of 2025, Kenya holds the record for the most Paris Marathon titles, with at least 16 wins to its name. The country’s athletes, known for their disciplined training regimens and high-altitude conditioning, continue to raise the bar for endurance sports. Ethiopia isn’t far behind, with a strong lineup of elite runners consistently reaching podiums across the globe.
The excellence extends to African women as well. Athletes like Vivian Cheruiyot, Angela Tanui, and Ethiopia’s Bedatu Hirpa represent a lineage of powerful female marathoners who dominate major races, including Paris.
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The Evolution of African Marathon Success
What sets African marathon runners apart? It’s not just history—it’s evolution. Over time, these athletes have increased their speed, precision, and endurance, constantly challenging previous records. In 2025, Biwott’s time came within 54 seconds of the course record, while Hirpa’s performance continued a streak of consistent sub-2:21 finishes.
Improved training facilities, global exposure, and strategic racing techniques have all contributed to Africa’s growing dominance—not just in Paris, but in world championships and the Olympics as well.
Conclusion: The Future Is African
From Paris to Boston, Berlin to Tokyo, the footprints of African marathon runners are visible on every elite track. The 2025 Paris Marathon once again proved that when it comes to long-distance running, Africa doesn’t just compete—it leads.
As a new generation of talent emerges—from Biwott to Hirpa—the future of global marathon running is in strong, swift, and determined African hands.
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