Running News Daily

On April 13, 1997, the streets of London witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes in marathon history as the 17th edition of the London Marathon delivered a race that still lives in memory. It was a day of elite performances, fierce competition, and unforgettable tension—none more thrilling than the women’s contest, where victory was decided by the narrowest of margins.

In a breathtaking duel that intensified over the closing kilometers, Joyce Chepchumba of Kenya and Liz McColgan went stride for stride in a battle of courage and endurance. With the finish line in sight, neither athlete gave an inch. In the end, it was Chepchumba who held her composure under immense pressure, crossing the line in 2:26:51—just one second ahead of McColgan, who stopped the clock at 2:26:52.

The razor-thin margin left spectators captivated and elevated the race into London Marathon folklore. It was not only a triumph of speed, but a showcase of resilience, tactical intelligence, and the relentless will to win.

Completing the women’s podium was Lidia Șimon of Romania, who ran an outstanding 2:27:11 to secure third place in a field packed with international quality.

Beyond the result itself, the race reflected the rising global strength of women’s marathon running during the 1990s. Athletes from Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania filled the top places, underlining how the women’s marathon had become one of the sport’s most competitive stages.

The men’s elite race also produced a performance of the highest class. António Pinto of Portugal claimed victory in 2:07:55, confirming his place among the finest marathoners of his era.

More than two decades later, the 1997 London Marathon remains a symbol of what makes distance running so compelling: history written by seconds, legends forged through suffering, and champions remembered forever. Joyce Chepchumba’s one-second masterpiece still stands as one of the greatest finishes the marathon world has ever seen.