Ethiopia’s Tilahun Nigussie sets new record at Belfast Marathon
Ethiopia’s Tilahun Nigussie has set a new record at the 2025 Belfast Marathon, clocking 2:13:37 to break the course record that had stood for more than a decade. From the outset, Nigussie set a pace that made it clear he wasn’t just chasing victory, he was chasing history.
By the end of the first mile, the 26-year-old had already pulled ahead of the pack, accompanied only by a few relay runners. His lead grew steadily, and it soon became evident that he was on a solo mission.
Nigussie, who posted a personal best of 2:07:50 earlier this year, came into Belfast as a clear favourite. But a record-breaking run on unfamiliar terrain is never guaranteed. He reached the halfway point in 1:08:40, solid, but not record-threatening. Still, the Ethiopian appeared to be holding something in reserve. Over the final miles, he unleashed his finishing gear.
The pace quickened, the strides lengthened, and the gap between him and the clock narrowed. With a cash bonus on the line for breaking the course record, Nigussie kept pushing, even after briefly going off course in the final kilometre.
A quick correction by race officials got him back on track, and he powered through the final stretch, slicing four seconds off the previous record set by a fellow Ethiopian, Negewo Ararisa in 2012.
“I knew I had more to give,” Nigussie said through a translator after the race. “Even when I missed the turn, I kept believing I could finish strong. I’m proud to bring this victory to Ethiopia.”
Behind him, Ireland’s Aaron Hanlon put in a strong showing to finish second in 2:27:06. Though 13 minutes adrift of the winner, the Drogheda athlete ran a composed race of his own, staying consistent throughout. Stephen Connolly of Annadale Striders made a notable marathon debut, finishing third in 2:29:30 and earning the Northern Ireland men’s title in the process.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Millicent Kibet claimed the top spot with a time of 2:38:30. While she didn’t break the course record, Kibet fended off a strong closing effort from Morocco’s Lalla Aziza, who finished just 21 seconds behind.
Previous Belfast winner Gladys Ganiel, 48, took third place and secured another Northern Ireland title with a finish time of 2:45:46. The event also witnessed a historic first in the wheelchair division.
Aghadowey’s Jayne Bleakley became the first woman to complete the Belfast Marathon in a racing wheelchair, clocking 2:28:27 in her debut at the age of 44. Diagnosed with encephalitis as a child, Bleakley’s triumph resonated with many on and off the course.
Organizers reported record participation this year, with 6,500 full marathon runners, 2,750 relay teams, and 1,200 walkers taking part, making it the largest Belfast Marathon ever.
Written by Kweku Sampson.
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