The 50th edition of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon delivered a celebration worthy of its golden anniversary, as Kenya’s Geoffrey Toroitich Kipchumba shattered the course record on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Running only his second marathon, the 25-year-old Kenyan clocked 2:03:30 on Amsterdam’s famously fast course, taking nine seconds off the previous record set by 2021 Olympic champion Tamirat Tola.
Under ideal racing conditions—cool temperatures, minimal wind, and a flat profile through the Dutch capital—over 30,000 participants took part in various distances, making it one of the most memorable editions in the event’s storied history.
Kipchumba’s Record-Breaking Performance
The men’s race began with considerable intrigue, featuring defending champion and two-time winner Tsegaye Getachew alongside double Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei. The lead pack moved through 10 kilometers in 29:16, with seven men still in contention for victory. Despite a conservative first half that crossed the halfway mark in 1:02:14—suggesting the course record might be out of reach—the leaders worked together to accelerate in the second half.
By 30 kilometers, reached in 1:28:22, the race had whittled down to a select group including Kipchumba, Getachew, Cheptegei, Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay, and Ethiopia’s Getaneh Molla. As the kilometers ticked away, the attrition began. Cheptegei, competing in just his third marathon, started to drift off the pace first. Then Getachew faded, followed by Geay, leaving Kipchumba and Molla to battle for supremacy.
With approximately three kilometers remaining, Kipchumba made his decisive move, breaking free from Molla and opening a comfortable gap. The final seven kilometers became a lonely pursuit of the clock, but Kipchumba’s strength and determination carried him through. He crossed the finish line in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium in triumph, achieving a time he had only dreamed of.
“I’m very happy. I felt strong and thought, let’s push. I was hoping for 2:04, so this is even better,” Kipchumba said relaxedly after the race. His 2:03:30 finish represents the fourth-fastest marathon time recorded anywhere in 2025, cementing his status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Tight Battle for the Podium
Behind Kipchumba, the battle for the remaining podium spots proved equally dramatic. Defending champion Getachew had to settle for second place with 2:04:18, finishing just one second ahead of his compatriot Molla, who clocked 2:04:19. The razor-thin margin highlighted the depth and competitiveness of the elite field.
Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay secured fourth place in 2:04:36, while Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei rounded out the top five with a personal best of 2:04:52. For Cheptegei, the double Olympic champion on the track, the time represented another step forward in his marathon development, showing that his transition to the longer distance continues to progress despite not being in contention for the win.
Ethiopian Dominance in Women’s Race
While the men’s race featured a Kenyan victory, the women’s competition belonged entirely to Ethiopia. The top six finishers all hailed from the East African running powerhouse, with 21-year-old Aynalem Desta emerging as the surprise victor.
Desta, who was considered an outside contender before the race, ran with remarkable composure and negative splits to claim victory in 2:17:37. The time represented a massive personal best, slashing over four minutes off her previous best of 2:22:11, and stands as the third-fastest time ever recorded by a woman in Amsterdam.
After 30 kilometers, six Ethiopian athletes remained in contention for the win, creating a fascinating tactical battle. Desta and Bertukan Welde eventually pulled away from the pack, with Desta proving strongest in the closing stages. Her ability to maintain pace and then accelerate when it mattered most demonstrated the maturity of a seasoned marathoner despite her young age and relative inexperience at the distance.
Welde also enjoyed a breakthrough performance, finishing second in 2:17:56, another significant personal best. Mekides Shimeles completed the Ethiopian sweep of the podium with 2:19:56 in her marathon debut—a remarkable time for a first attempt at the distance.
A New Generation Emerges
The women’s race in Amsterdam showcased the depth of Ethiopian distance running talent and the emergence of a new generation of marathoners. Desta’s performance, in particular, signals her arrival as a serious contender on the global marathon circuit. At just 21 years old and with such a dramatic improvement, she represents the future of women’s marathon running.
Dutch Championship Races Add Local Flavor
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, the Amsterdam Marathon hosted the Dutch Marathon Championships, adding an extra layer of excitement for local runners and spectators. The familiar orange-clad supporters lining the course created an electric atmosphere as Dutch athletes competed for national glory.
In the men’s race, Khalid Choukoud captured his fourth Dutch marathon title, having previously won in 2016, 2021, and 2022. The 35-year-old veteran clocked 2:08:00, well ahead of his fellow Dutch competitors and demonstrating the consistency that has made him a national distance running icon.
“One of my best marathons ever,” Choukoud said after the race. “The Dutch title was the most important.” His words reflected the special significance of winning on home soil during such a milestone edition of the race.
The women’s Dutch championship saw Anne Luijten claim the national title with 2:28:27 in her third marathon of the year. After representing the Netherlands at the World Championships just five weeks earlier, Luijten’s decision to race again paid dividends.
“I tried to run smart, it was a bit nerve-racking because Mikky started so fast. I’m super happy and proud. This is a perfect finale,” said Luijten, reflecting on her strategic approach to the race.
Jill Holterman earned the silver medal with an excellent 2:29:02, finishing less than a minute above her personal best. Mikky Keetels claimed bronze despite being overtaken late in the race, finishing with a big smile in 2:31:33—a major personal improvement of three minutes.
The Perfect Stage for Fast Times
The TCS Amsterdam Marathon has earned its reputation as one of the world’s fastest courses, and the 2025 edition reinforced that status. The route, which starts and finishes at the historic Amsterdam Olympic Stadium, takes runners through some of the city’s most iconic locations, including Vondelpark, along the Amstel River, and past the Rijksmuseum.
The course’s flat profile and the typically favorable October weather conditions make it ideal for record attempts and personal bests. This year’s cool, windless conditions proved perfect for fast running, contributing to the course record and numerous personal bests throughout the field.
As a World Athletics Platinum Label road race, Amsterdam attracts elite fields from around the world, all seeking to take advantage of the course’s reputation. The 2025 edition certainly lived up to expectations, delivering both a course record and multiple outstanding performances.
A Milestone Edition for a Storied Event
The 50th anniversary of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon represents a significant milestone for one of Europe’s premier road races. Since its inception, the event has grown from a local competition to an international spectacle that draws runners from around the globe.
The jubilee edition featured special celebrations throughout race weekend, honoring the event’s history while looking forward to its future. The presence of over 30,000 participants across all distances demonstrated the marathon’s enduring appeal and its importance in the international running calendar.
The combination of world-class competition, excellent organization, a fast course, and the unique atmosphere of running through Amsterdam’s picturesque streets has made this marathon a bucket-list event for runners worldwide. The 2025 edition, with its course record and multiple breakthrough performances, added another memorable chapter to the race’s rich history.
Looking Ahead
As the celebrations wind down and runners recover from their efforts, attention will inevitably turn to next year’s race. Kipchumba’s course record has set a new benchmark for future competitors, while Desta’s breakthrough performance raises questions about how much faster women might run on Amsterdam’s accommodating course.
For the thousands of recreational runners who completed their personal marathons through Amsterdam’s streets, the 2025 edition will be remembered as a special day when they were part of history—running alongside course record-breaking champions in a celebration of the marathon’s enduring appeal.
2025 TCS Amsterdam Marathon Results
Men’s Elite Race:
1. Geoffrey Toroitich Kipchumba (Kenya) – 2:03:30 (Course Record)
2. Tsegaye Getachew (Ethiopia) – 2:04:18
3. Getaneh Molla (Ethiopia) – 2:04:19
4. Gabriel Geay (Tanzania) – 2:04:36
5. Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) – 2:04:52 (Personal Best)
Women’s Elite Race:
1. Aynalem Desta (Ethiopia) – 2:17:37 (Personal Best, 3rd fastest in Amsterdam history)
2. Bertukan Welde (Ethiopia) – 2:17:56 (Personal Best)
3. Mekides Shimeles (Ethiopia) – 2:19:56 (Marathon Debut)
Dutch National Championships:
Men: Khalid Choukoud – 2:08:00 (4th Dutch title)
Women: Anne Luijten – 2:28:27
Event Details:
Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Edition: 50th Anniversary
Status: World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race
Participants: Over 30,000 across all distances
