Bedatu Hirpa wins Paris Marathon in dramatic finish as Benard Biwott dominates men’s race

Ethiopian runner Bedatu Hirpa takes her second marathon win of 2025 in Paris, while Kenya’s Benard Biwott powers to a commanding victory.

Ethiopia's Bedatu Hirpa celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the women's race at the Paris Marathon in Paris on April 13, 2025. Photo by Bertrand Guay/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The 2025 Paris Marathon delivered a weekend of high drama and elite athleticism as Bedatu Hirpa wins Paris Marathon in an electrifying finish that saw her outpace fellow Ethiopian Dera Dida by just four seconds. The women’s race kept fans on edge until the final stretch, while the men’s event was decisively won by Kenyan Benard Biwott, who broke away early and never looked back.

The event, held under cool and favorable conditions on Sunday, showcased not only tactical brilliance but also marked a defining moment for both marathoners, who each took their second career win in the 42.195-kilometre distance.

A thrilling victory for Hirpa in the final metres

For 25-year-old Bedatu Hirpa, the streets of Paris became the setting for yet another dramatic finish in her blossoming marathon career. Just months after her victory at the Dubai Marathon in January, where she also narrowly defeated Dera Dida, Hirpa once again showed remarkable determination and late-race strength to capture the Paris crown.

Hirpa clocked a winning time of 2:20:45, making it her second marathon win of the year and solidifying her place among the top contenders in the global marathon circuit. The margin of victory—just four seconds over Dida—mirrored the razor-thin gap from their Dubai showdown and reinforced a growing rivalry that may define the women’s marathon in 2025.

Hirpa’s performance was all the more impressive given the high-caliber field. Dida, who was leading with less than a kilometre to go, seemed poised to avenge her Dubai loss, but Hirpa surged ahead in the final metres. Finishing in 2:20:49, Dida took second place with grace, while Kenyan Angela Tanui finished strong in third with a time of 2:21:07.

Hirpa’s growing legacy

With back-to-back marathon wins in 2025, Bedatu Hirpa's Paris Marathon victory strengthens her profile as one of the most consistent long-distance runners of the season. Her ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the closing moments of high-stakes races, has become her trademark. It also makes her one to watch for the World Championships and possibly the Olympic Games next year, depending on selection.

The Paris course, known for its scenic views and challenging final kilometres, suited Hirpa’s tactical racing style. Her negative splits in the second half of the race showcased excellent race planning and stamina.

Biwott breaks away early for men's title

While the women’s race came down to a nail-biting sprint, the men’s event was a different story altogether. Benard Biwott of Kenya ran a smart and assertive race, breaking from the lead pack with 10 kilometres remaining. From that moment on, there was no looking back.

Kenya's Benard Biwott poses with supporters after winning the men's Paris Marathon in Paris on April 13, 2025. Photo by Bertrand Guay/AFP

The 22-year-old crossed the finish line in a personal best time of 2:05:25. It marked only his second marathon appearance following a victorious debut in Frankfurt in October 2024. Sunday’s performance not only reaffirmed his talent but also established him as a serious threat in the marathon scene.

Biwott’s decision to push ahead early was seen as bold, but his endurance and pace control were flawless. His lead continued to grow as he pounded through the final kilometres solo, unfazed by the absence of competition around him.

Hassan and Kiptoo round out the podium

Djibouti’s Ibrahim Hassan, the only athlete to respond when Biwott made his move, ran valiantly to claim second place with a time of 2:06:13. Although unable to close the gap on the Kenyan, Hassan showed considerable improvement and poise under pressure.

Third place went to another Kenyan, Sila Kiptoo, who finished a solid race to round out the podium. While Kiptoo couldn’t match Biwott’s pace, his consistency over the distance bodes well for future competitions.

Emerging stars redefine the marathon elite

With Bedatu Hirpa winning the Paris Marathon in a tight finish and Benard Biwott’s commanding run, the 2025 edition of the Paris Marathon showcased the next generation of marathon elites. Both runners are in their early 20s and have quickly built reputations as reliable, strategic, and fearless competitors.

For Hirpa, back-to-back victories in major international marathons suggest she’s entering her prime with confidence and clarity. For Biwott, his win in Paris demonstrated not only raw speed but the kind of control and maturity often seen in veteran runners.

Their stories are reminders of how quickly the long-distance running landscape can shift, especially when young athletes break through with dominant performances.

Sunday’s event unfolded along the iconic avenues of Paris, with runners crossing landmarks like the Champs-Élysées and the Seine. Spectators turned out in large numbers despite the cool morning air, cheering on elites and amateur participants alike.

Organizers praised the elite fields for delivering exciting performances that captured the spirit of marathon racing. While there were no new course records, the drama and quality of competition more than made up for it.

Both Hirpa and Biwott are now expected to attract interest from race directors across the marathon circuit, with likely invitations to Berlin, Chicago, or even the New York City Marathon later this year.

What’s next for Hirpa and Biwott?

Following her Paris win, Bedatu Hirpa may consider a summer or autumn marathon to maintain momentum and further boost her rankings. With the Olympic Games in Paris looming in 2026, she will also be keen to familiarize herself even more with the French capital’s terrain.

Meanwhile, Benard Biwott’s Paris Marathon performance suggests he could be a strong contender at the World Marathon Majors level. His youth, combined with disciplined pacing and tactical awareness, sets him apart in a competitive field of East African marathoners.

If he continues on this path, it won’t be long before Biwott challenges national records—or even world records—with the right conditions and competition.