Brigid Kosgei breaks China all-time record with dominant Shanghai Marathon victory

 The World Athletics Platinum Label race marked a resounding return to top form for the former world record-holder, who now adds yet another monumental achievement to her glittering career.

Kosgei, 31, controlled the race from the gun, leading a strong pack that featured compatriot Irine Cheptai and Ethiopia’s Tiruye Mesfin and Bekelech Gudeta. The group crossed 10km in a brisk 32:25 before gradually thinning out.

By halfway, reached in under 69 minutes, only Cheptai remained on Kosgei’s shoulder. The decisive moment came shortly after the 30km mark, when Kosgei accelerated smoothly, leaving Cheptai unable to respond.

From there, the two-time London Marathon champion and 2019 Chicago world record-breaker extended her lead with every kilometre. She broke the tape in 2:16:36, her fastest time in three years and the fourth-fastest women’s marathon time of the 2025 season. Cheptai followed in a season’s best 2:18:51, while Mesfin placed third in 2:20:38.

This Shanghai victory continues Kosgei’s remarkable run of elite performances. Since stunning the world with her 2:14:04 world record in 2019, she has collected major wins in Tokyo, Chicago, London, and Honolulu, as well as an Olympic silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Her 2025 season has been equally impressive, with finishes under 2:19 in both Hamburg and Sydney before her record-breaking performance in China.

The men’s race produced a dramatic Ethiopian sweep, with Milkesa Mengesha winning in 2:06:25 after a fierce final-kilometre duel with Dawit Wolde. Deresa Geleta, who had pushed the pace earlier, settled for third in 2:06:36.

Kosgei’s latest triumph reinforces her status as one of the greatest marathoners of her era, a relentless competitor whose endurance, tactical intelligence, and consistency continue to shape modern road running.