The Paris Marathon, a jewel in the crown of elite long-distance running, once again lived up to its prestigious reputation. The 48th edition of this iconic race unfolded on April 13th, delivering a spectacle of intense competition, tactical brilliance, and remarkable athletic feats. Emerging as the undeniable star of the event was the young and formidable Kenyan athlete, Bernard Biwott, whose exceptional performance not only secured him a coveted victory but also a substantial financial reward, firmly establishing his presence among the world's elite marathon runners.
At just 22 years of age, Bernard Biwott has etched his name into the annals of marathon history. On a day characterized by ideal running conditions – cool and crisp air – he executed a masterful race plan, culminating in a new personal best time of 2:05:25. This remarkable achievement crowned him the champion of the 2025 Paris Marathon and earned him a significant prize of Ksh 7.3 million (€50,000), underscoring the race's status as one of the highest-paying marathons globally.
The 2025 Paris Marathon attracted a fiercely competitive elite field, drawing top-tier marathon talent from across the globe. Among the contenders was France's own Hassan Chahdi, eager to make a strong showing on home soil following a notable performance at the 2024 London Marathon, where he finished in 2:07:30. However, it was Biwott's strategic prowess and youthful vigor that ultimately prevailed.
Employing a well-calculated strategy, Biwott remained strategically positioned within the leading pack for the majority of the race, demonstrating keen awareness of the ever-shifting dynamics of the competition. As the runners approached the critical 35-kilometer mark, Biwott unleashed his remarkable speed and endurance. With a decisive surge, he effortlessly distanced himself from his closest competitors, showcasing his exceptional strength in the latter stages of the race. Once he entered the challenging terrain of the Bois de Boulogne, Biwott further accelerated his pace, steadily increasing his lead from an initial 11 seconds to a comfortable 30-second margin by the time he crossed the finish line.
Djibouti’s Ibrahim Hassan mounted an admirable chase, ultimately finishing second with a national record time of 2:06:13. Fellow Kenyan Sila Kiptoo secured the third position, clocking in at 2:06:21. The intense competition among the top finishers underscored the high stakes of the race, further amplified by the substantial cash prizes on offer.
The allure of the Paris Marathon extended beyond the prestige of victory, with a total prize pool of Ksh 73 million (€500,000) attracting over 56,000 runners from around the world. This significant sum was distributed among the top finishers, with Biwott's impressive first-place earnings leading the way. Kiptoo’s third-place finish earned him a substantial payout of approximately Ksh 2.8 million (€20,000). The remaining prize money was allocated to the top 15 male and top 10 female finishers, recognizing and rewarding athletic excellence across the board.
Mirroring the excitement of the men’s race, the women’s competition provided its own thrilling narrative. Ethiopian runner Bedatu Hirpa emerged victorious in a nail-biting finish, capturing headlines with her resilience and speed. At just 25 years old, Hirpa demonstrated remarkable determination, overtaking her compatriot Dera Dida in the final moments to clinch the title with a time of 2:20:45. The margin of victory was a mere four seconds, marking Hirpa’s second marathon win of the year, following her earlier triumph in Dubai.
Kenyan star Angela Tanui secured a commendable third place in the women's race, finishing in 2:21:07. The fierce rivalry and intense competition among these elite female runners mirrored the men's event, highlighting the exceptional level of talent present at the Paris Marathon.
This victory at the Paris Marathon marks a significant milestone in Bernard Biwott’s burgeoning marathon career. His debut at the distance occurred in Frankfurt in October 2024, where he also emerged victorious. Rapidly ascending the ranks of elite marathon runners, Biwott embodies the new generation of athletes, seamlessly blending youthful energy with strategic intelligence, a combination that has proven instrumental in his impressive early success.
With the prestigious Paris Marathon title now under his belt, Bernard Biwott has firmly placed himself on the global radar for future major marathons. As he continues to hone his skills and refine his racing tactics, fans and spectators worldwide can eagerly anticipate witnessing this remarkable young talent compete against the very best that the world of long-distance running has to offer. Athletes like Biwott serve as powerful reminders of the rewards of perseverance in sports, demonstrating that dedication and relentless hard work can indeed transform dreams into tangible victories. As he steps off the podium in Paris, adorned with accolades and a significant prize, the future undoubtedly holds immense promise for this inspiring young athlete.
