Batt-Doyle lowers Australia’s marathon record to 2:20:38 in Chicago

Izzi Batt-Doyle broke the Australian women’s marathon record at the Chicago Marathon on October 11, finishing in 2 hours, 20 minutes and 38 seconds.

The Australian runner improved on Jess Stenson’s previous national mark of 2:21:24, set last year. Australian Athletics confirmed the new record in a report published on October 12 and said Batt-Doyle finished sixth.

The 31-year-old said the result rewarded years of work toward a target she believed was within reach. Her fiancé and coach, Riley Cocks, ran alongside her for much of the race, helping her follow their pacing plan while they were between larger groups of runners.

Batt-Doyle reached halfway on schedule to break the record but felt the heat and fatigue increasing later in the race. She was certain she would finish below 2:21 only after rounding the final turns and seeing the clock, and celebrated over the last 150 metres.

Her performance continues a succession of Australian women’s marathon records. Benita Willis set the mark in Chicago in 2006, Sinead Diver lowered it in 2022, and Stenson improved it again in 2025.