World Athletics Championships: Aussies finish inside the top 25 in women's marathon

African distance runners have dominated the women's marathon at the world athletics championships.

Australia's Sinead Diver, Julia Degan and Sarah Klein, from left, talk after finishing the women’s marathon final at the World Athletics Championships (AAP) Source: AAP

Australians Sinead Diver and Sarah Klein have finished inside the top 25 in the women's marathon at the world athletics championships in a race dominated by African runners.

Diver was the leading Australian, coming home 21st in two hours, 36 minutes and 38 seconds, two places and 1:20 ahead of Klein.

Countrywoman Julie Degan was 49th in 2:49:26.

Ethiopia's Mare Dibaba claimed gold in 2:27:35 after outsprinting Helah Kiprop of Kenya to the finish line.

Kiprop was second in 2:27:36, with Kenyan-born Bahraini Eunice Kirwa another three seconds back in third spot.