I was not expecting to find the marathon difficult. I knew I could do it.
Kelvin Kiptum
From barefoot trailblazers to modern-day record-breakers, famous marathon runners have long captured the world’s imagination. Covering 42.195 km is no small feat — and yet, these long distance runners continue to push the limits of human endurance. Whether they’ve shattered records, redefined the sport, or inspired millions, here are 10 iconic athletes who changed the landscape of long-distance running.
Marathoning is such a hot topic that almost anyone can name at least a few famous marathon runners who have set and broken records. So, who are these people that dedicate their lives to training their body to push the boundaries of the human form and achieve the seemingly impossible?
Marathon runners often rise to fame through major international events like the Olympics, inspiring global audiences with their endurance. Whether they’ve shaped the sport’s history or shattered records, these famous marathon runners have left a lasting mark on long-distance running.
If you want to know more about the people that made the marathon, or you’re looking for a running role model, read on to find out about the world’s most famous marathon-running talent.
Abebe Bikila
Abebe Bikila was an Ethiopian long-distance runner who rose to fame when he broke the world record for completing the marathon distance at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.
Not only did he set a new personal best and marathon world record, but Bikila did so whilst barefoot!
Abebe Bikila went on to become double Olympic champion, winning the marathon four years later at the Olympic games in Tokyo, breaking his own world record in the process. Bikila is regarded as the man to led the way in establishing a reputation for East-African nations as great exporters of running talent.
Haile Gebrselassie
A heavyweight when it comes to talking about the history of marathoning, Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie was a true champion in marathon running, keeping his success consistent as well as frequent.
His major achievements include a four-times winning streak at the Berlin marathon between 2006 and 2009 and a hat-trick at the Dubai marathon at each event from 2008 to 2010. In addition to his wins, he also set and broke records, his most recent one being 2:03:59, which he set at the 2008 Berlin marathon. Although this record has since been broken, Haile continues to be regarded as a major figure in the history of long-distance running.
Paula Radcliffe
Paula Radcliffe is one of the most famous Brits to be recognised for her running achievements. During her career, which spanned from 1997, Radcliffe enjoyed a streak of marathon wins in London, Chicago and New York City, setting a world record of 2:15:23 at the 2003 London Marathon, which she still holds today.
In addition to her many sporting achievements and records, Radcliffe has won an array of titles including BBC Sports Personality of the Year, World Athlete of the Year, and even an MBE!
Her stream of achievements, as well as her various honours which recognise her as a source of inspiration, are exactly why Paula Radcliffe is still discussed as a major figure in the world of marathon running today, fifteen years on from when she set the world record.
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Paul Kibii Tergat
During his marathon career, which spanned from 2001 to 2008, Kenyan runner Paul Tergat established himself as a big name at almost ever marathon event he attended.
In his first three marathons, which took place in London and Chicago, Tergat finished in second place. Following his streak of near-victory, Tergat went on to set a new world record time for completing the marathon distance at the 2003 Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:04:55. Although this time would be broken in 2007 by Haile Gebrselassie, Tergat continued his winning streak elsewhere.
Tigist Assefa
Tigist Assefa shocked the world when she obliterated the women’s marathon world record at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, clocking in at 2:11:53 — over two minutes faster than the previous record set by Brigid Kosgei in 2019.
Originally a middle-distance runner specializing in the 800m, Assefa’s rise in the marathon world has been nothing short of meteoric. Her powerful transition from the track to the streets has redefined what’s possible in women’s distance running and cemented her status as one of the most thrilling athletes of the modern era.
Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich
Another big name flying the flag for Kenya on the winners' podiums of marathon events around the world, Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich is incredibly famous for his running achievements.
However, in 2018, when Kiprotich came to reclaim his world record title, the Tokyo marathon saw Kiprotich drop out at the 15-kilometre mark after he started experiencing stomach problems while running.
Dennis Kipruto Kimetto
Dennis Kipruto Kimetto made an unforgettable entrance into the marathon world, setting the fastest debut time ever in 2012 and then smashing the world record just two years later in Berlin. His blistering 2:02:57 shattered the previous mark, making him the fastest marathon runner in history at the time. Coming from a farming background and discovered by fellow legend Geoffrey Mutai, Kimetto’s rise was both rapid and inspiring.
Though injuries later hampered his career, his world record changed expectations of what was humanly possible in the sport.
See how you can set up a training program so you can run a marathon in no time.
Sir Mo Farah
Sir Mohamed Farah rose from a young Somali refugee to become the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic history. Arriving in the UK at age 8, he overcame language barriers and adversity to represent Team GB on the world stage.
Mo Farah became a household name in 2012 when he became double Olympic champion at the 2012 Summer Olympic games in London in the 10Km and 5Km events.
Mo Farah’s signature “Mobot” celebration became iconic — and in 2013, he was officially knighted, becoming Sir Mo for his services to athletics!
Eliud Kipchoge
Another big name in the long list of successful Kenyan runners, Eliud Kipchoge is the current world record holder for the best time over the marathon distance with a time of 2:01:39, which he achieved at the 2018 Berlin Marathon.
Prior to setting this record, Kipchoge had already proven his prowess as a leading name in long-distance running when he placed first in many other international marathons, including the London, Chicago, Berlin, Rotterdam and Hamburg marathons.
Find out how to train for a marathon.
Brigid Kosgei
Brigid Kosgei first gained international attention with victories at the 2018 and 2019 Chicago Marathons and the 2019 and 2020 London Marathons. Her crowning moment came on October 13, 2019, when she shattered the women’s marathon world record in Chicago and surpassing Paula Radcliffe’s previous mark by 81 seconds.
In addition to her marathon successes, Kosgei secured a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and won the 2021 Tokyo Marathon, further solidifying her status as one of the sport’s elite athletes.
Kelvin Kiptum Setting the Standard
Kelvin Kiptum stunned the world in 2023 when he ran a jaw-dropping 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon — becoming the fastest marathon runner in history and the first man to complete the race in under 2 hours and 1 minute in a record-eligible event. What made Kiptum’s rise so extraordinary was how quickly he ascended to greatness: in just three marathons, he posted three of the fastest times ever recorded.
Born in a small village in Kenya, Kiptum trained on his own for years before breaking into the global scene with his debut marathon win in Valencia in 2022. His quiet confidence, incredible pacing strategy, and relentless finishing kicks made him a phenomenon in the making.
Tragically, in February 2024, Kiptum died in a car accident at just 24 years old — only months before he was set to chase a sub-2-hour marathon in an official race. His sudden loss sent shockwaves through the running world. Though his professional career was heartbreakingly brief, Kiptum’s legacy as a generational talent will live on in marathon history.
📍 Country: Kenya
🎂 Date of Birth / Age: December 2, 1999 (age 25)
🏃♂️ Time Active: 2022–2024
🔢 Personal Best: Marathon - 2:00:35 (World Record – Chicago Marathon, 2023)
🏆 Major Win or Record: Fastest marathon time in history (Chicago 2023)
Ruth Chepngetich Doing Her Thing
Known for her aggressive pace and fearless racing, Ruth Chepngetich has quickly established herself as one of the most dominant female marathoners of the modern era.
Since bursting onto the scene, the Kenyan athlete has consistently impressed with her relentless front-running style and ability to thrive under pressure. She made headlines when she won the 2019 World Championship marathon in Doha, battling extreme heat and humidity to claim gold — a true testament to her grit and endurance.
Her historic 2:14:18 finish at the 2022 Chicago Marathon stands as one of the fastest women’s marathon times ever recorded and firmly placed her among the greatest long-distance runners in history. In addition to her world title, she’s won multiple major city marathons and held the half-marathon world record. Chepngetich continues to redefine the limits of women’s long-distance running and shows no signs of slowing down.
📍 Country: Kenya
🎂 Date of Birth / Age: July 8, 1994 (Age: 30)
🏃♂️ Time Active: 2016 – Present (9+ years)
🔢 Personal Bests: Marathon: 2:14:18 (Chicago, 2022 – then the second-fastest time ever)
🏆 Major Wins or Records: Former half-marathon world record holder
Long Distance Runners to Keep an Eye on
As the marathon world continues to evolve, a new wave of long distance runners is stepping into the spotlight — mixing speed, strategy, and sheer resilience. These rising stars are shaking up leaderboards and are poised to redefine what’s possible in elite distance running. Whether you’re a fan, a fellow runner, or just marathon-curious, these are an example of some of the names you’ll want to follow closely in 2025.
Sebastian Sawe
Sabastian Sawe is part of a thrilling new generation of Kenyan marathon runners making waves on the global stage. Originally a standout in cross-country and shorter road races, Sawe transitioned seamlessly into longer distances with a tactical maturity beyond his years.
Analysts and fans alike are watching closely — many believe Sawe has the potential to not only challenge the marathon world record in the near future, but also become a major force at upcoming World Championships and Olympic Games.
Emily Sisson
She has quickly become one of the most exciting names in American distance running. After setting the U.S. marathon record with a time of 2:18:29 at the 2022 Chicago Marathon, she’s proven she can hang with the world’s best.
With her calm, consistent pacing and strong tactical awareness, Sisson is a serious contender heading into 2025 — especially with eyes on the Paris Olympics. Fans and analysts alike expect big things as she enters her prime.
As you’ve seen, today’s runners are standing on the shoulders of giants — and making history of their own. Here’s a look back at the last 10 world records that defined the marathon:
2024
Ruth Chepngetich (🇰🇪)
She ran the fastest women’s marathon ever (not ratified) at the Chicago Marathon in 2:09:56.
2023
Kelvin Kiptum (🇰🇪)
Set the current men’s world record of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon — the fastest marathon ever run in a record-eligible race.
2023
Tigist Assefa (🇪🇹)
Shattered the women’s marathon world record with a time of 2:11:53 at the Berlin Marathon, improving the previous mark by over two minutes.
2022
Eliud Kipchoge (🇰🇪)
Broke his own world record at the Berlin Marathon, clocking 2:01:09, reaffirming his GOAT status.
2019
Brigid Kosgei (🇰🇪)
Set a new women’s world record of 2:14:04 at the Chicago Marathon, breaking Paula Radcliffe’s 16-year-old record.
2018
Eliud Kipchoge (🇰🇪)
Ran 2:01:39 at the Berlin Marathon, smashing the previous world record by 78 seconds.
2014
Dennis Kipruto Kimetto (🇰🇪)
Became the first man to break 2:03, running 2:02:57 at the Berlin Marathon.
2003
Paul Tergat (🇰🇪)
Set a new men’s world record of 2:04:55 at the Berlin Marathon, becoming the first man to go sub-2:05.
2003
Paula Radcliffe (🇬🇧)
Set the women’s marathon world record at 2:15:25 during the London Marathon, a record that stood for 16 years.
1964
Abebe Bikila (🇪🇹)
Broke the world record at the Tokyo Olympics, running 2:12:11 and defending his Olympic title.
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