Assefa sets women's record as Sawe wins men's race

Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa surged to victory in a world record for a women's only field in the London Marathon, while Kenya's Sebastian Sawe triumphed in the men's race.

Olympic silver medallist Assefa burst clear of 2021 winner Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya with 10km to go before crossing the line in two hours 15 minutes and 50 seconds.

Assefa beat the previous record, set by Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya in London last year, by 26 seconds.

Jepkosgei finished second, nearly three minutes behind, with 2023 winner and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands in third.

In the men's race, debutant Sawe kicked on with a little over 10km remaining and his rivals were unable to respond, with the Kenyan finishing in 2:02:27.

Half marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda was over a minute down in second on his full marathon debut and 2024 winner Alexander Mutiso Munyao came third.

More to follow.