The fastest marathon runner in NYC history is Tamirat Tola, who holds the men's course record with an astonishing time of 2:04:58. While Tola holds the overall fastest time, marathon records are typically categorized by gender. The fastest woman to complete the New York City Marathon is Margaret Okayo.
Men's Course Record Holder
The current men's course record for the New York City Marathon was set by Ethiopian runner Tamirat Tola. He achieved this remarkable feat in 2023, completing the challenging 26.2-mile course in 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 58 seconds. This time stands as the fastest ever recorded for a male athlete in the event's history.
Women's Course Record Holder
On the women's side, the fastest time belongs to Margaret Okayo. The Kenyan runner set her record in 2003, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 22 minutes, and 31 seconds. Her performance remains the benchmark for female elite runners in the New York City Marathon.
NYC Marathon Course Records At a Glance
The following table summarizes the fastest times achieved by both men and women in the history of the New York City Marathon:
| Category | Runner Name | Country | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | Tamirat Tola | Ethiopia | 2:04:58 | 2023 |
| Women | Margaret Okayo | Kenya | 2:22:31 | 2003 |
These records highlight the elite performances that define the rich history of the New York City Marathon, one of the world's most iconic long-distance races. For more general information about the event, you can visit the official New York City Marathon website.
