Olympic triathlon champion records historic time in London Marathon debut

Competing against the best distance runners in the world for the first time at the 2025 London Marathon, Olympic triathlon champion Alex Yee proved he belonged. Yee finished 14th overall and was the second British runner across the line, recording the fastest marathon ever by an Olympic triathlete: 2:11:08.

Heading into the race, Yee said he was targeting a finish between 2:07 and 2:10. Although he was nine seconds outside his goal, it’s hard to imagine he’ll be too disappointed. His result surpasses the previous fastest marathon by an Olympic triathlete, Greg Billington’s 2:15:31 from the Marathon Project in 2020.

Yee’s decision to take on a marathon mid-career was about chasing new challenges. “If I do the same stuff, then I’ll stay the same,” he told Canadian Running in February. The London Marathon, in particular, held special meaning: Yee grew up just 15 minutes from the start line in Blackheath, and raced the Mini London Marathon five times as a junior.

Though best known for his four Olympic triathlon medals, Yee originally came from a running background. He has represented Great Britain internationally in track and cross-country and owns personal bests of 13:26 for 5,000m and sub-28 minutes for 10,000m.

Paris Olympic marathoner Mahamed Mahamed was the top British finisher, taking ninth overall in 2:08:52.

A new Kenyan king is crowned

At the front of the men’s pack, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe put on a clinic in the final 10 kilometres to win in 2:02:27, pulling away from Ugandan star Jacob Kiplimo. Sawe’s time was the second-fastest winning mark in London Marathon history, trailing only the late Kelvin Kiptum’s 2:01:25 from the 2023 race.

In Sawe’s last 23 professional races, he has now won 18 of them—firmly establishing himself as the next major force in men’s marathoning.

Meanwhile, four-time London champion Eliud Kipchoge, competing for the first time since turning 40, finished sixth in 2:05:25. Kipchoge held onto the lead pack until 30K, before Sawe and Kiplimo broke away, pushing the pace to an electric 2:41/km. Though out of contention, Kipchoge was cheered warmly by London crowds, celebrating a legendary career that includes two Olympic gold medals and 11 marathon major wins. He has already confirmed his next race: the 2025 Sydney Marathon in late August.

1) Sabastian Sawe (Kenya) 2:02:272) Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) 2:03:373) Alexander Mutiso Munyao (Kenya) 2:04:204) Abdi Nageeye (Netherlands) 2:04:205) Tamirat Tola (Ethiopia) 2:04:426) Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) 2:05:257) Hillary Kipkoech (Kenya) 2:06:058) Amanal Petros (Germany) 2:06:309) Mahamed Mahamed (GBR) 2:08:5210) Milkesa Mengesha (Ethiopia) 2:09:01

Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa breaks women-only world record at London Marathon

For full results from the 2025 London Marathon, see here.