Simbu Wins Men’s Marathon World Title in Dramatic Photo Finish

The men’s marathon at the 2025 World Athletics Championships delivered an unforgettable finish that will be remembered for years to come. After 26.2 miles, the battle for gold came down to a fraction of a second.

With 100 meters to go, Germany’s Amanal Petros surged into the lead, spurred on by the roar of the crowd. But in the final 10 meters, Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu found one last burst of speed. Both men crossed the line together in 2:09:48, with Simbu declared the winner by the narrowest of margins after a photo review.

Italy’s Iliass Aouani claimed bronze with 2:09:53, while Israel’s Haimro Alame finished fourth in 2:10:03.

Why Were the Winning Times So Slow?

In an era where sub-2:05 performances are increasingly common on flat, fast city courses, a 2:09 winning time might appear modest. But championship marathons are rarely about speed—they’re about tactics, conditions, and survival.

On this humid Tokyo morning, the combination of rising temperatures, tactical surges, and the lack of pacemakers slowed the field considerably. Unlike commercial marathons designed for record attempts, World Championship races unfold as battles of attrition. The priority is medals, not fast times.

That context made the finish all the more gripping. Despite the relatively slow clocking, the drama of two men collapsing at the line after a two-hour duel showcased the true essence of championship racing: it’s not about how fast you run, but whether you cross the line first.

For Simbu, the victory is another milestone in a long and decorated career. For Petros, the silver marked both heartbreak and validation—a confirmation that he belongs among the world’s elite.

The 2025 World Championships men’s marathon may not go down for record times, but it will long be remembered for its thrilling conclusion.

posted Monday September 15th
by Boris Baron