Running News Daily

Course records shattered at the Zurich Barcelona Marathon 2025

The 2025 Zurich Barcelona Marathon witnessed historic performances on Sunday, March 16, as both the men’s and women’s course records were shattered. Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Deriba Ketema claimed the men’s title with a time of 2:04:13, while Kenya’s Sharon Chelimo won the women’s race in 2:19:33.

Men’s Race Highlights

Tesfaye Deriba Ketema’s remarkable run broke the previous course record of 2:05:01, set by Tadesse Abraham in 2024, by nearly a minute. Deriba made a decisive move at the 36-kilometer mark, breaking away from the lead pack and maintaining his lead to the finish. This victory marked a significant improvement from his previous personal best of 2:07:52, achieved in Hangzhou in 2024.

The men’s podium was completed by Kenyan runners Cornelius Kibet Kiplagat, who finished second in 2:04:54, and Enock Onchari, who secured third place with a time of 2:05:20.  

Women’s Race Highlights

Sharon Chelimo delivered an outstanding performance, breaking the previous course record of 2:19:44 set by Zeineba Yimer in 2023 by 11 seconds. Chelimo’s strategy involved staying with the lead pack through the halfway point, after which she gradually increased her pace, ultimately breaking away in the final kilometers to secure her victory.

Chelimo was followed by Ethiopia’s Yebrgual Melese, who finished second in 2:20:47, and Kenya’s Linet Masai, who took third place with a time of 2:21:01.  

Event Significance

This year’s marathon was the largest in its history, with over 27,000 participants from 109 countries, marking a significant increase from the previous record of 20,382 in 2016. Notably, female participation reached a new high, with more than 6,500 women runners, accounting for 25% of the total participants.

The record-breaking performances by Tesfaye Deriba Ketema and Sharon Chelimo have set a new standard for the Zurich Barcelona Marathon. Their achievements not only highlight individual excellence but also underscore the marathon’s growing prominence on the global stage.