Top 10 Greatest Marathon Runners of All-Time

By Jayson Panganiban April 14, 2024 12:29

Photo by Kevin Morris

Marathons have been a symbol of human endurance and athleticism for centuries, and the athletes who excel at this challenging event have become legends in the world of sports.

From breaking records to displaying exceptional consistency and longevity, these runners have left an indelible mark on the history of marathon running.

Here, we present a comprehensive list of the top 10 greatest marathon runners of all time, showcasing their remarkable achievements and contributions to the sport.

1. Eliud Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge, a Kenyan long-distance runner, is widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners in history.

He achieved global recognition when he broke the two-hour barrier for the marathon in a special event in 2019.

Kipchoge's impressive record also includes multiple victories at the London, Berlin, and Olympic marathons, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the sport.

2. Haile Gebrselassie

Haile Gebrselassie, an Ethiopian long-distance track and road running athlete, is renowned for his exceptional marathon career. Gebrselassie set numerous world records in the marathon and won several major marathons, including the Berlin and Dubai marathons.

3. Paula Radcliffe

Paula Radcliffe, a British long-distance runner, is considered one of the greatest female marathon runners of all time. Radcliffe's career is highlighted by her world record-breaking run at the 2003 London Marathon, where she set an astonishing time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 25 seconds.

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4. Wilson Kipsang

Wilson Kipsang, a Kenyan long-distance runner, has made significant contributions to the sport of marathon running. Kipsang's impressive career includes victories at the London Marathon, Berlin Marathon, and New York City Marathon.

5. Catherine Ndereba

Catherine Ndereba, a Kenyan long-distance runner, has left an indelible mark on the marathon world with her exceptional accomplishments. Ndereba is a two-time world champion in the marathon and has triumphed at prestigious events such as the Chicago Marathon and the Boston Marathon.

6. Kenenisa Bekele

Kenenisa Bekele, an Ethiopian long-distance runner, has showcased his extraordinary talent in both track and road racing. Bekele's successful transition to the marathon distance resulted in victories at the Berlin Marathon and the Paris Marathon.

7. Grete Waitz

Grete Waitz, a Norwegian long-distance runner, is celebrated for her remarkable achievements in the marathon distance. Waitz won the New York City Marathon a staggering nine times, showcasing her unparalleled dominance in the event.

8. Wilson Kipsang

9. Joan Benoit Samuelson

Joan Benoit Samuelson, an American marathon runner, achieved iconic status in the sport with her historic victory at the first-ever women's Olympic marathon in 1984.

Samuelson's groundbreaking performance at the 1983 Boston Marathon, where she set a world record, further solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in women's marathon running.

10. Wilson Kipsang

On the whole, the marathon has served as a platform for extraordinary human achievement, and the runners on this list have exemplified the pinnacle of success in the sport.

From breaking records and showcasing unparalleled speed to displaying remarkable consistency and longevity, these athletes have etched their names in the annals of marathon history.