With five kilometers to go, Ayana broke away and reached the finish line in 2.17.20.
The previous record time for a debutant was held by Ethiopian compatriot Yalemzerf Yehualaw who won in 2.17.23 in Hamburg in April.
Genzebe Dibaba, who still holds the 1500m world record, finished second in 2.18.05.
- I am at a loss for words for this.
It was very special and I am very happy.
It has been very tough for me after my Olympic title in 2016 with injuries and pain.
I am so grateful for my husband and son and for all the support I get, Ayana told the International Athletics Federation.
Dibaba was very happy with her marathon debut, too.
“A fantastic first marathon on the streets of Amsterdam.
I am so happy for the second place and the time 2.18.05", she writes on Instagram.
Also third Tsehay Gemechu made his debut on the stretch and completed an Ethiopian triple.
Facts:
Genzebe Dibaba, 31
An Olympic silver in the 1500 meters in Rio de Janeiro 2016
A World Cup gold in the 1500 meters in Beijing 2015
A World Cup bronze in the 5000 meters in Beijing 2015
Seven World Cup golds indoors
Almaz Ayana, 30
An Olympic gold in the 10,000 meters in Rio de Janeiro 2016
An Olympic bronze in the 5,000 meters in Rio de Janeiro 2016
A World Cup gold in the 5,000 meters in Beijing 2015
A World Cup gold in the 10,000 meters in London 2017
A World Cup -silver at 5000 meters in London 2017
A WC bronze at 5000 meters in Moscow 2013