Ethiopia's Firehiwot Dado has won the women's competition of the 2011 New York City Marathon with a time of 2:23:15. The victory came after a momentous comeback in the second half of the race after Kenyan Mary Keitany, who finished third, had opened up a large lead through the first half of the race and led nearly from start to finish. Dado caught Keitany, who began to tire after her hot start, at Mile 25 of the 26.2-mile race.

Ethiopian native and current Bronx resident Bizunesh Deba finished the race in second place just four seconds after Dado. The strong day for the two Ethiopians made it two years in the past three that a woman from that country has won the marathon.

Ana Dulce Felix of Portugal finished fourth at 2:25:40 with New Zealand's Kim Smith taking fifth place with a time of 2:25:46. Smith maintains a residence in Rhode Island.