Running News Daily

Jamaica has a new national marathon record holder.

Michka-Mae Hyde delivered a historic performance at the Philadelphia Marathon on November 23, 2025, running 2:35:28 to smash Jamaica’s women’s marathon record for the 26.2-mile distance. The previous mark of 3:08:47 had stood for years—making Hyde’s improvement of more than 30 minutes one of the most dramatic national-record breakthroughs in recent memory.

The run places Hyde firmly on the international radar and signals a potential turning point for Jamaican distance running. While the island nation is synonymous with sprinting dominance, the marathon has long been an underrepresented event. Hyde’s performance suggests that may be changing.

What makes the result even more compelling is Hyde’s athletic background. A former standout at George Mason University, she competed primarily in the 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles, showcasing speed and strength before transitioning to the roads. Her successful leap to the marathon highlights both her versatility and the untapped potential that exists beyond Jamaica’s traditional sprint pipeline.

National records are typically lowered by seconds—sometimes minutes. Hyde didn’t just lower the record; she rewrote it entirely.

With a time of 2:35:28, Hyde has established a new benchmark and opened the door for greater participation, belief, and investment in Jamaican marathon running. For the country, the event has entered a new chapter—and Michka-Mae Hyde is leading the way.