The fastest marathon distance in history for male athletes is currently held by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, who set a world record for the men’s marathon on September 16, 2018, at the Berlin Marathon. Here are the details of this remarkable achievement:
Eliud Kipchoge:
- Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner and one of the most accomplished marathoners in history. Born on November 5, 1984, in Kapsisiywa, Kenya, Kipchoge is known for his extraordinary endurance and running prowess.
Berlin Marathon, September 16, 2018:
- Kipchoge’s record-breaking run took place at the Berlin Marathon, an event that has a reputation for producing fast times due to its flat and relatively straight course.
World Record Time:
- During the 2018 Berlin Marathon, Eliud Kipchoge completed the marathon distance in an astonishing time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 39 seconds.
Historical Significance:
- Kipchoge’s world record time was a monumental achievement and represented a significant milestone in the sport of marathon running. He broke the previous world record, set by Dennis Kipruto Kimetto in 2014 (also at the Berlin Marathon), by 1 minute and 18 seconds.
Sub-2-Hour Marathon:
- In addition to his world record, Eliud Kipchoge made headlines for another remarkable achievement. On October 12, 2019, in Vienna, Austria, he participated in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, an unofficial marathon event. In this race, he finished the marathon distance in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds, becoming the first person to run a marathon in under 2 hours. It’s important to note that the INEOS 1:59 Challenge did not qualify as an official world record due to the controlled conditions and use of rotating pacesetters.
Eliud Kipchoge’s exceptional marathon performances have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest long-distance runners in history. His dedication, discipline, and remarkable endurance have left an indelible mark on the sport of marathon running, and his records continue to inspire athletes around the world. Please note that developments in marathon records may have occurred after my last knowledge update in January 2022.
