The U.S. has produced numerous top women’s marathoners during the past five decades. Our list reflects the fastest runners, top performers at national and international events, and pioneers who made an impact on the sport.
Some have made great social strides in breaking barriers that halted women from participating in any running event; others have turned heads with record-breaking performances in some of the sport’s most notable races. Whether it’s a sub-2:30 performance, Olympic appearance, major win or impressive career résumé, we considered all these things when compiling this list of the top 35 greatest American female marathoners of all time.
