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A high-performance Paris Marathon 2025 with Hassan Chahdi
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, the streets of Paris will once again come alive with the energy of marathon runners. For the 48th edition of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris, the elite field is incredibly strong, with the highly anticipated presence of Frenchman Hassan Chahdi (2:07:30 in 2024 in London). The event record holders will also be present, Elisha Rotich (2:04:21 in 2021) and Judith Jeptum Korir (2:19:48 in 2022). As is often the case in Paris, a major Ethiopia-Kenya showdown is expected for the victory. With records in sight and ambitious French competitors, the atmosphere promises to be electric in the capital.
| Women’s field: Dibaba, Korir, and a lineup of elites seeking victory
Among the women, the 2025 lineup is simply impressive, with six runners having already clocked times under 2:20. Leading the way is the Ethiopian legend Tirunesh Dibaba, a three-time Olympic champion and holder of a personal best of 2:17:56. Absent from the circuit for several years, her presence in Paris marks a highly anticipated return.
The Ethiopians Bedatu Hirpa (2:18:27), Dera Dida (2:18:32), and Zinash Senbeta (2:21:05) will round out a formidable lineup. Kenyan Angela Tanui, who won in Amsterdam in 2021 (2:17:57), and her compatriot Judith Jeptum Korir, who holds the Paris marathon record, also aim for the top.
Other names to watch closely include Evaline Chirchir (2:20:33 in Valencia), Visiline Jepkesho (2:21:37), and Tanzanian Magdalena Shauri, who finished 3rd in Berlin in 2023 (2:18:41). The women’s race, which will start at the same time as the men’s, promises to be a true spectacle.
| Men’s field: Hassan Chahdi leading the French charge
Among the men, French eyes will be on Hassan Chahdi, one of the greatest French marathon runners in history. After clocking 2:07:30 in London in 2024 and securing a strong 20th place at the Paris Olympic Games, the AL Voiron runner returns with ambition on a course he knows well. He clocked a promising 2:10:20 here in 2017, before facing challenges in 2021.
A true icon in French running, Hassan Chahdi aims to shine on home soil, supported by the Parisian crowd. His goal? To beat his personal record and potentially climb onto the podium. He will be accompanied by a determined French delegation, including Yohan Durand (2:09:21 in Paris in 2021), Jason Pointeau (2:10:35), and Florian Caro (2:13:42), who will also be striving to beat their personal records.
The international competition will be fierce. The Ethiopians Olika Adugna Bikila, Tsedat Ayana, Hailu Zewdu, and Desalegn Girma all have times around 2:06. Kenya, as always, fields an elite lineup with Bernard Biwott (winner in Frankfurt in 2024, 2:05:54), Titus Kimutai Kipkosgei (2:07:12 in Milan in 2024), Dominic Ngeno (2:07:23 in Toronto in 2024), and other experienced runners ready to drive the race.
Not to forget the return of event record holder Elisha Rotich, who may well aim to make a big impact in a city where he has already made history in 2021. And in the shadows, outsiders like Ghirmay Ghebreslassie (2015 world champion) or Djibouti’s Ibrahim Hassan (2:06:33 in Abu Dhabi in 2024) could play spoilers.
| Key figures of the event
In 2024, it was Ethiopian Mulugeta Uma who triumphed in 2:05:33, while his compatriot Mestawut Fikir won the women’s event in 2:20:45. Among the French, Adrien Toucas (12th) and Laurie Maleysson (14th) were the top finishers, completing the race in 2:17:06 and 2:46:29, respectively.
The event records still belong to Elisha Rotich (2:04:21 in 2021) and Judith Jeptum Korir (2:19:48 in 2022), both present this year to attempt to repeat their feats. Also noteworthy: the wheelchair race, part of the French Handisport Championship, with athletes like Julien Casoli and Nadège Monchalin, embodies the inclusive spirit of the event. This is a particularly important aspect for the organizer Amaury Sport Organisation.
Year after year, the Paris Marathon confirms its place among the most prestigious races worldwide. In 2024, the event broke participation records with over 55,000 registrants, including 33% internationals, and delivered an outstanding performance level. The average finisher time was 4:11:23, placing Paris 5th worldwide among the fastest marathons with over 20,000 participants, behind Valencia, Berlin, Boston, and Tokyo.
With such a strong and dense elite field, the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2025 is shaping up to be one of the season’s major running events. With records in sight, Ethiopia-Kenya duels, and the presence of legendary athletes like Tirunesh Dibaba and Elisha Rotich, the show will be complete. For the French side, expectations are high for Hassan Chahdi, whose form and experience could rekindle the dream of a French victory in Paris, 22 years after Benoît Zwierzchiewski’s win. One thing is certain: on April 13, the capital is set to experience a historic moment.
