Izzi Batt-Doyle sets new Australian marathon record in Chicago

Australian Olympian Izzi Batt-Doyle set a new national marathon record at the Chicago Marathon, finishing with a time of 2:20:38. The 31-year-old secured sixth place in the race, shaving 46 seconds off the previous Australian record of 2:21:24 held by Jess Stenson.

Batt-Doyle improved her own personal best by approximately two minutes. During the race, she utilized a negative split strategy, running the second half faster than the first. She noted that she was inspired by former record-holder Benita Willis, whose 2006 Chicago Marathon performance stood as the national mark for many years.

Batt-Doyle, a two-time Olympian in the 5000m, completed the race alongside her fiancé, Riley Cocks, who finished just seconds behind her. This performance builds momentum for her upcoming preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Brisbane Games.