Top 10 Fastest Women Marathon Runners In The World 2025

It is a true test of human endurance to run a marathon, and the field of women’s long-distance running is currently experiencing a golden era. In addition to the fierce competition, records are being broken at an alarming rate. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 fastest women marathon runners in the world as of the year 2025. This list is distinguished by exceptional athleticism and achievements that change the course of history.

List Of Top 10 Fastest Women Marathon Runners In The World 2025

1. Ruth Chepngetich

Over the course of the marathon, Ruth Chepngetich has demonstrated that she is one of the most reliable and formidable rivals. Her astounding time of 2:14:18, which she set as her personal best, was accomplished at the Chicago Marathon in 2024. Moreover, Chepngetich is a previous world champion and has won a number of major marathons, which demonstrates her capacity to execute well under pressure on the most prestigious platforms in the world.

2. Tigst Assefa

Taking the initiative is Tigst Assefa, who is from Ethiopia. Her historic run at the 2023 Berlin Marathon not only shattered the previous world record by more than two minutes, but it also broke the previous record all together. The accomplishments of Assefa represented a significant step forward for the sport of women’s marathon running, setting a new standard for both speed and endurance.

3. Sifan Hassan

Quite simply, Sifan Hassan is a phenomenon. She is well-known for her great adaptability on the track, where she has won Olympic gold medals in the 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races. She has converted to the marathon with ease. Following her remarkable triumph in her first marathon, which took place in London in 2023, she went on to win the Chicago Marathon in 2023 with an even faster time than she had previously achieved. She is unrivaled in her ability to easily transition between different fields and promptly achieve success at the highest level.

4. Brigid Kosgei

Prior to Assefa, Brigid Kosgei was the holder of the world record, and her time from the 2019 Chicago Marathon continues to be acknowledged as one of the fastest times ever recorded. Throughout the years, Kosgei has been a formidable competitor in the world of marathons, having won significant victories in both London and Chicago. The dynamic and reliable manner in which she runs has established her as a legendary figure in the sport.

5. Amane Beriso Shankule

The tremendous race that Amane Beriso Shankule had in Valencia, in which she broke the 2:15 barrier, made a significant statement about her. Many people were taken aback by her performance, which solidified her position as a leading candidate. She continued to demonstrate her elite position by winning the Boston Marathon in 2023, displaying both her tactical skill and her strength in the face of a field of world-class competitors.

6. Tigist Ketema

One of the most stunning marathon debuts in the history of the sport was achieved by Tigist Ketema, who quickly rose to prominence. As a result of her run in Dubai, she became the first woman in history to ever run over a distance in the fastest time. The performance of Ketema is indicative of a new generation of talent emerging from Ethiopia, and it establishes her as a serious athlete to keep an eye on in upcoming contests.

7. Worknesh Degefa

During that time period, Worknesh Degefa’s personal best, which was set in Dubai, was a very innovative performance. She has a reputation for being a powerful runner who is noted for her aggressive racing style and strong starts. With multiple podium finishes at major marathons, Degefa has established herself as a formidable athlete, solidifying her position among the most successful athletes.

8. Paula Radcliffe

Paula Radcliffe is still considered a legend in the sport, despite the fact that her record has been breached. Her world record, which she established in London and has held for a very long period, was so far ahead of its time that it took another athlete approximately twenty years to surpass it. It is a testament to Radcliffe’s enormous talent and the historical significance of her accomplishment that her time from 2003 is still quicker than many of the top runners of today.

9. Sutume Asefa Kebede

In a short amount of time, Sutume Asefa Kebede has established herself as one of the most accomplished marathon runners in the world. By virtue of her extraordinary pace and consistent results, the Ethiopian long-distance runner has left an indelible impression on the world of running.

10. Rosemary Wanjiru

In a short amount of time, Rosemary Wanjiru has established herself as a leading marathoning competitor. Her enormous potential was demonstrated by the fact that she achieved her personal best in Tokyo. The ascent of Wanjiru through the ranks has been lightning fast, and, as a result of her consistent performances, she is a formidable competitor in any competition that she competes in.