© CPH Marathon
Copenhagen Marathon 2025: Berhane Tesfaye and Sharon Kiptugen come close to breaking the event records
This Sunday, May 11, the streets of the Danish capital echoed with the footsteps of more than 19,000 runners. With perfect weather (11°C at the start, no wind) and a warm atmosphere, the 45th edition of the Copenhagen Marathon was a grand celebration of running. While Eritrean Berhane Tesfaye and Kenyan Sharon Kiptugen made their mark, the event records remained unchanged.
| Close duel among men, Kenyan dominance among women
The men’s race kept spectators on the edge for a long time. A strong pack of 11 runners, well-paced by Kenyan pacemaker Reuben Rono, set off at a fast pace, with a half-marathon split of 1:03:43 (on pace to finish in 2:07:26). At that moment, it seemed like a new course record (2:08:23) would be set.
But as often in marathons, the truth comes after the 30 km mark. Kenyan Boaz Kipkemei attempted a breakaway, but it ultimately turned into a duel between Vincent Mutai (Kenya) and Berhane Tesfaye (Eritrea) that played out until the 40 km mark. In the last two kilometers, the veteran Tesfaye (38 years old!) found the physical and mental resources to win in 2:08:25, just two seconds shy of the event record and a little over a minute from his personal best (2:07:07 in 2023 in Kosice, Slovakia). Mutai, in his first experience at this prestigious distance, clocked a solid 2:09:09. Behind them, Ethiopian Yismaw Atinafu completed the podium with a time of 2:10:32. Notably, the announced favorite, Adugna Takele, did not start the race.
On the French side, we highlight the impressive time of Alexis Garod, finishing fifteenth in 2:21:02. Among the Danish runners, Mikael Johnsen (2:16:56) and Andreas Lommer (2:17:28) put on a strong performance at home, securing spots in the top 10.
In the women’s race, the Kenyans and Ethiopians clearly set the pace. A group of five runners took off at a strong pace (half-marathon split of 1:11:30, projected finish 2:23 flat), before Sharon Kiptugen broke away.
For her first marathon, the Kenyan won in 2:23:19, missing the event record by just 5 seconds. Behind her, Sofia Assefa (Ethiopia), known for her steeplechase achievements, finished second in 2:26:21, followed by her compatriot Abebech Afework (2:28:37).
The first French woman, Florence Papougnot, finished 22nd, covering the 42.195 km in 2:46:19 with a well-managed race and an impressive negative split. Among the Danish women, Stine Schonning excelled with a time of 2:39:27.
| | When Mario joins the race…
Dressed head to toe as Mario, complete with mustache, white gloves, and overalls, he ran an impressive 2:26:47, setting a new world record for the fastest marathon run in a video game character costume. He finished 33rd overall, just 7 minutes shy of his personal best. Hats off!
| Copenhagen, a running city since 1980
The Copenhagen Marathon is more than just a race. It’s a true tradition dating back to 1980. Back then, runners had to zigzag between cars and even wait for the Langebro bridge to lower… Today, with the World Athletics label, it’s a whole new level of organization. The course is extremely flat, passing through the heart of the city with iconic spots, an incredible crowd, DJs, entertainment, and an electric atmosphere, especially at kilometer 14 on the famous Dronning Louises Bro bridge, where the Nbro Running crew puts on a lively show. Goosebumps guaranteed.
This race is also forward-thinking. With its sleek app design and numerous partner activations on-site, the CPH Marathon aims to become a major event on the international marathon calendar, while maintaining its welcoming and approachable spirit.
With strong performances, an atmosphere worthy of major races, and 18,512 finishers, the 2025 edition lived up to its promises. The next rendezvous is already set: May 10, 2026. Registrations open on May 27. Whether you’re aiming for a record dressed as a plumber or just enjoying a 42.195 km stroll, this marathon has everything to please.
