Reigning champion Tigst Assefa has set the stage for another historic showdown at the TCS London Marathon, boldly declaring her intention to break her own women-only world record when she lines up on Sunday, 26 April. The Ethiopian star, who stunned the athletics world with her blistering 2:15:50 performance last year, says she is in even better shape heading into the 2026 edition and is ready to push the limits of elite marathon running once again.
Speaking at the elite women’s pre-race press conference, Assefa exuded confidence and quiet determination. Her message was clear: she is not just here to defend her crown, but to redefine it. “My training has gone well, it has been better, even, than my preparation last year,” she said. “So I think it is possible to beat the record I set last year.” Such remarks have immediately heightened anticipation among fans and analysts, who already consider this year’s women’s race one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Gold medalist Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, centre, stands with silver medalist Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, left, and bronze medalist Uruguay’s Julia Paternain after the women’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The TCS London Marathon has long been a stage for record-breaking performances, and Assefa’s ambition adds another layer of intrigue to an already iconic race. With a fast course, world-class pacemakers, and a stacked elite field, conditions appear ideal for a historic run. Assefa emphasized the critical role pacing will play, revealing that she expects a more aggressive tempo early on—one that could position her well ahead of last year’s record pace by the halfway mark.
Her confidence is rooted in a meticulously planned training block that has blended endurance and speed in equal measure. According to Assefa, the final weeks of preparation have focused heavily on sharpening her pace.
Britain’s Emile Cairess runs to the line to finish in third place in the men’s race at the 2024 London Marathon in central London on April 21, 2024. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / “Restricted to editorial use – sponsorship of content subject to LMEL agreement”.
“I’ve done a lot of endurance training and a lot of speed training,” she explained. “Over the last three weeks I’ve been focusing more on the speed side of my preparation.” This balanced approach could prove decisive, especially in the latter stages of the race where maintaining pace often separates champions from challengers.
The TCS London Marathon is renowned not only for its elite competition but also for its ability to produce dramatic, unforgettable moments. Assefa’s potential record attempt fits perfectly into that narrative. Her 2025 victory was already one of the fastest women-only marathons ever recorded, and surpassing it would further cement her status as one of the greatest marathoners of her generation. Yet, she will not have it easy, with several top contenders expected to challenge her dominance.
Kelvin Keptum died at the age of 24.
Beyond the competition, Assefa’s pursuit of excellence underscores the evolution of women’s marathon running. In recent years, the gap between records has been shrinking as athletes push physiological and tactical boundaries. Advances in training, nutrition, and race strategy have all contributed to faster times, and Assefa appears to be at the forefront of this progression. Her willingness to take risks—such as committing to a world-record pace from the start—reflects a new era of bold, aggressive racing.
As race day approaches, the spotlight will firmly be on Assefa and whether she can deliver on her promise. The marathon distance is notoriously unforgiving, and even the slightest miscalculation can derail a record attempt. However, if her preparation is anything to go by, she has every reason to believe that another historic performance is within reach.
Phil Sesemann (GBR), Eilish McColgan (GBR), Jessica Warner-Judd (GBR) and Patrick Dever (GBR) run through the Queen Victoria Memorial Gardens as part of the British Athletes Pre-Race Photocall ahead of The TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26th April 2026.
Thursday 23rd April 2026
Photo: Andrew Baker for London Marathon Events
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For fans, the excitement is palpable. The TCS London Marathon is set to once again capture global attention, with Assefa’s record chase serving as its centerpiece. Whether she succeeds or falls just short, her ambition guarantees a race filled with drama, intensity, and world-class athleticism—everything that makes marathon running one of the most compelling events in sport.
