What is the London Marathon women’s record?

THE London Marathon is expected to headline this weekend in the capital.

Even with two FA Cup semi-finals set to be contested at Wembley Stadium, thousands will run through London for fame and good causes as the world’s best compete in the legendary marathon.

Paula Radcliffe’s record, set in 2003, has been seen as the benchmark for many – but is not the official record.Getty Images

The race route begins in Greenwich and leads participants past some of the city’s most renowned monuments, such as the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, and Big Ben, before concluding on the famed Mall near Buckingham Palace.

• FOLLOW ALL ACTION HERE: LONDON MARATHON 2025 LIVE BLOG

The event has always drawn big stars, and according to The Runnel Channel, this year is no exception.

Sir Jason Kenny, the country’s most successful Olympian, is completing his first marathon alongside Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook, two England cricket giants, racing for the Ruth Strauss Foundation.

However, with records on the line, it’s the very elite that viewers will look towards to see who stars.

The women’s race will include world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, Olympic winner Sifan Hassan, and silver medallist Tigst Assefa, the three fastest women in history.

What is the London Marathon women’s record?

The London Marathon has seen the marathon world record smashed seven times.

In theory, British great Paula Radcliffe, who just made an amazing comeback to the marathon distance in Tokyo, holds the women’s race record at the London Marathon. Her 2:15:25 time has remained consistent since 2003.

However, that was in a ‘mixed’ race, meaning men and women began at the exact same time.

So there’s another record for the ‘women-only’ race London Marathon.

In recent times, the schedule has been adjusted such that elite women begin the race before elite men and the general public.

Peres Jepchirchir established the current world record in a women’s-only field in 2024 when she ran 2:16:16.

Reuters

Peres Jepchirchir won last year’s marathon and took the current record time aswell[/caption]

Jepchirchir won’t defend her title this year after withdrawing with an ankle injury.