Ingrid Kristiansen of Norway set the marathon world record of 2:21:06 in London in 1985. The mark stood for 13 years. Her world record in the 10,000 meters, set in 1986, held for 16 years. At one point she held the world records in the 5000 meters, 10,000 meters, and marathon at the same time, the only person ever to do so.

Kristiansen won the New York City Marathon in 1989 as well as the London Marathon in 1984, 1985, and 1988; the Boston Marathon in 1986 and 1989; and the Chicago Marathon in 1986.

She was the 10,000-meter European champion in 1986 and world champion in 1987, as well as the world cross-country champion in 1988.