The women’s marathon record has taken center stage in 2025, with dramatic developments involving record-breaking performances and a high-profile doping case that could rewrite the history books. From Ruth Chepngetich’s astonishing run to Tigst Assefa’s historic women-only performance, this year has reshaped the global conversation around women’s distance running.
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Ruth Chepngetich’s Groundbreaking Run and Suspension Controversy
In October 2024, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the Chicago Marathon, finishing in 2:09:56. This made her the first woman in history to break the 2:10 barrier and shattered the previous record by almost two minutes. Her performance was immediately recognized as the new benchmark in women’s marathon running.
However, in July 2025, Chepngetich was provisionally suspended after testing positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a banned diuretic often used as a masking agent. The sample was collected earlier in the year, and the case has now been referred to the Athletics Integrity Unit for further adjudication.
This suspension casts a shadow over her historic achievement. While her 2:09:56 time remains on the official record lists for now, its future status depends on the outcome of the doping investigation. If the suspension leads to a confirmed violation, her result could be annulled, altering the official women’s marathon record landscape significantly.
Tigst Assefa Sets a New Women-Only Marathon Record
While Chepngetich’s case continues, Ethiopian star Tigst Assefa has been making history of her own. In April 2025, at the London Marathon, Assefa broke the women-only marathon record with a sensational time of 2:15:50. This time beat the previous women-only record and solidified her status as one of the most dominant marathon runners of her generation.
World Athletics recognizes two separate records in the women’s marathon:
- Overall (Mixed) Record: Fastest time achieved in any race, including those with male pacers.
- Women-Only Record: Fastest time set in races exclusively for women.
Chepngetich currently holds the overall record pending the doping ruling, while Assefa now officially holds the women-only record. Assefa’s performance was achieved without male pacers, making it a benchmark for women-only competition and showcasing her extraordinary endurance and pacing ability.
Major Marathon Highlights of 2025
This year has also delivered several standout performances across major marathons, reinforcing the growing depth of elite women’s running.
- At the World Championships 2025, Peres Jepchirchir secured gold in a thrilling finish with a time of 2:24:43, edging out Tigst Assefa by just two seconds.
- In the Berlin Marathon 2025, Rosemary Wanjiru crossed the line in 2:21:05, adding another strong performance to the season’s record book.
- The Boston Marathon 2025 saw Sharon Lokedi break the course record with a superb 2:17:22, further highlighting the remarkable progression in women’s marathon times.
While none of these performances broke the current records, they reflect the incredible competitiveness at the highest level of the sport.
What’s Next for the Official Women’s Marathon Record?
The future of the official women’s marathon record hinges on the outcome of Ruth Chepngetich’s doping case. If the case concludes with a violation, her 2:09:56 mark will likely be erased from the record books. That would make Tigst Assefa’s previous best time of 2:11:53 the fastest eligible mark for the overall record.
Looking ahead, several key developments are expected:
- Formal Ruling: Athletics authorities will make a final decision on Chepngetich’s status and whether her record remains valid.
- Upcoming Races: Major fall marathons could see new attempts to break the record, especially with top athletes aiming to capitalize on the shifting landscape.
- Heightened Scrutiny: With a world record under investigation, doping controls and performance verifications are expected to become even more rigorous.
A Defining Moment for Women’s Marathon Running
The developments surrounding the women’s marathon record in 2025 mark one of the most pivotal moments in the sport’s modern history. Chepngetich’s performance shattered barriers but now faces intense scrutiny, while Tigst Assefa’s historic women-only run sets a new competitive standard.
Whichever way the final decision goes, this period will be remembered as a turning point for women’s marathon running. Share your thoughts below — do you think the current record should stand or be overturned?