Sifan Hassan, the Paris Olympics marathon champion, has revealed her bold ambition for the 2025 season: she aims to run four marathons in a single year. This would be an unprecedented feat for any woman, and Hassan is determined to push the limits of what is considered possible in the sport.
Hassan, who also triumphed in the 5000m and 10000m at the Tokyo Olympics, is no stranger to defying expectations. Her success in multiple disciplines has already placed her in a league of her own, but running four marathons in one year would challenge the conventional wisdom of long-distance running. Most experts recommend that athletes take a minimum of three months between marathons to allow the body to recover fully, which makes Hassan’s goal particularly audacious.
Despite these challenges, Hassan is undeterred. “One time, I want to do four marathons in a year from February to February. I want to see if it is possible,” she shared with World Athletics. “I really like it because I don’t know for sure if it is going to happen. I like the excitement.” The idea of tackling four marathons within a year, pushing her endurance to the limit, is an exciting challenge for the 31-year-old, who thrives on uncertainty and the unknown.
While running more than two marathons in a year is considered risky due to the strain on the body, Hassan’s previous performances suggest she is a unique talent capable of extraordinary feats. Her marathon victory at the Paris Olympics was one of the most dramatic in history, coming down to a thrilling sprint against Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa in the final stretch. Hassan’s ability to push herself through the most grueling conditions has already made her one of the most celebrated athletes in the world, and the idea of attempting four marathons in a single year only adds to her legend.
Her marathon win in Paris, securing the final gold medal of the Games, was especially significant given the difficult conditions of the course. It was widely regarded as one of the most challenging marathon courses seen at an Olympic Games. Hassan’s victory, coming after a fierce battle with Assefa in the final 100 meters, showcased her resilience and strategic thinking. That win was the culmination of a year that saw her achieve remarkable success across multiple disciplines.
This year, Hassan earned the prestigious title of Women’s World Athlete of the Year, a testament to her unparalleled talent and versatility. Her achievements in Paris were historic, as she became only the second woman in history to complete the Olympic distance double, winning both the 5000m and 10000m gold medals. To add to that, she is the only woman to have won Olympic gold in the 5000m, 10000m, and marathon events, a feat that no other female athlete has ever accomplished.
However, Hassan’s journey to success is not without its challenges. She herself admitted that the decision to compete in three different distances at the Paris Olympics was a terrifying one. “This year, my curiosity pushed me to take a risk and compete in three distances at the Paris Olympics. It was terrifying, and that made each finish line more meaningful,” she said. The physical and mental toll of competing in the 1500m, 5000m, and 10000m in such a short time frame was immense, but it paid off as Hassan earned bronze in both the 5000m and 10000m events.
Despite her success, Hassan continues to be driven by the thrill of pushing herself beyond the limits. Her ambitions for 2025 reflect her desire to keep testing her boundaries, whether by attempting four marathons in a year or by continuing to challenge herself in other ways. While experts may deem her goal impossible, there is no doubt that Hassan is an athlete capable of surprising the world.
Her ambition to run four marathons in a year is indicative of a mindset that is constantly seeking new challenges. It’s not just about breaking records or accumulating medals; for Hassan, the excitement comes from exploring the unknown and pushing herself to new heights. Whether or not she is able to accomplish her goal, one thing is certain: Sifan Hassan is an athlete who will continue to redefine what is possible in long-distance running. As she heads into the 2025 season, all eyes will be on her to see if she can turn this audacious dream into a reality.
