© ASO / Victor Barcus
Paris Marathon 2025: Benard Biwott and Bedatu Hirpa triumph in a spectacular editio
This Sunday, April 13, Paris provided a dreamlike setting for the 56,000 marathon runners who hit its cobblestone streets for the 48th edition of the race. In the men’s category, the Kenyan Benard Biwott, only 22 years old, achieved a new feat by winning in 2:05:25, achieving a personal best. On the women’s side, Ethiopian Bedatu Hirpa claimed victory after an intense sprint, completing the 42.195 km in 2:20:45. As for the French athletes, although the highly anticipated Hassan Chahdi had to abandon the race at the 27th kilometer, several French runners managed to stand out, cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd.
| The race story: Benard Biwott makes a big statement
Right from the first steps, the favorites positioned themselves in a dense and tense pack. A solid group of 23 runners set the pace. Split time at 10 km: 29:39. As the race progressed, the atmosphere became focused, almost tense, in the wooded section of Vincennes where the pace slightly slowed. On this hilly course, the pacemakers had difficulty maintaining a steady rhythm. Some runners slowed down, and the leading pack began to thin out.
Hassan Chahdi, meanwhile, was focused and glued to the back of the leading group, aiming to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo and break his personal record. However, the French athlete from Haut-Savoie faced difficulties today. The sensations weren’t good. He passed the halfway point in 1:02:56. The pace was too demanding, and at the 26th km, the AL Voiron athlete weakened and eventually decided to stop at the 27th kilometer. Some days are just not your day.
In the leading group, only 8 remained by the 32nd km. It was then that Benard Biwott, only 22 years old and the winner of the Frankfurt Marathon in 2024, made a sudden burst of speed. Visually, the runner impressed with his dynamic stride and determination. No one behind him could catch the Kenyan, who surged to a superb victory in 2:05:25 (2:59/km), achieving a personal best with a well-managed negative split.
Ibrahim Hassan (Djibouti) secured a commendable 2nd place in 2:06:13, followed by Sila Kiptoo (Kenya) in 2:06:21.
| Bedatu Hirpa triumphs at the finish
In the women’s race, the suspense lasted until the end. Ethiopian Bedatu Hirpa, 25 years old, emerged victorious in an ultra-tight finish, completing the 42.195 km in 2:20:45. She confirmed her excellent form following her victory in Dubai earlier in the year. She narrowly beat her compatriot Dera Dida by only 4 seconds, in a heroic sprint. Kenyan Angela Tanui finished in 2:21:07 and completed a top-level podium. Although the course record remains intact (2:19:48, set by Judith Jeptum Korir in 2022), the intensity of the finish and the quality of the women’s field provided a great spectacle.
| The French deliver strong performances
For the French athletes, the crowd had plenty to cheer about. Although Hassan Chahdi, one of the leaders of French marathon running, unfortunately had to drop out during the race, his compatriots delivered impressive performances.
Three French runners stood out in the men’s race. Jason Pointeau was outstanding, crossing the finish line in 2:13:36 after a heroic effort. Following his 2:10 in Valencia in December 2024, he confirmed his excellent form on a demanding course. Just behind him, the Breton Florian Caro finished 16th in the race with a time of 2:13:50. Yohan Durand faced more challenges in the second half of the race but still delivered a commendable performance in 2:14:44.
In the women’s race, Loréna Meningand distinguished herself by setting a new personal record (2:36:33) and earning the honorary title of Top French Female at the Paris Marathon 2025.
| Paralympic marathon: Julien Casoli victorious
In the Paralympic race, a legend of French Paralympic athletics took the victory. Frenchman Julien Casoli, 42 years old, crossed the line in 1:33:03, marking his sixth victory on the Parisian roads. He edged out Thibaut Daurat, 21 years old, by just one second in a breathtaking sprint. Colombian Francisco Sanclemente completed the podium, finishing a bit over three minutes behind. An intense race, once again showcasing the high level of the sport in France.
More than 56,000 runners filled the streets of Paris for this edition. The capital pulsated to the rhythm of its runners. A fervor shared by spectators throughout the 42 kilometers, transforming the event into an unforgettable popular celebration. With two victories in as many marathons, Benard Biwott is already emerging as one of Kenya’s great hopes. His rapid rise could soon see him at the starting lines of a Marathon Major.
✔ Find the results of the Paris Marathon 2025
