World's Fastest Marathons
These Are the World’s Fastest Marathoners Here’s a complete list of the world record-holders and all-time top 26.2-mile runners. by Scott Douglas Updated: Sep 21, 2025 6:44 AM EDT Saved! Listen (10 min) Michael Reaves // Getty Images 4 min read Below you’ll find tables detailing several marathon superlatives: the 10 fastest marathoners in history on record-eligible courses; the 10 fastest American marathoners in history on record-eligible courses; the 10 fastest performances on record-eligible courses; the progression of the world records since 1988. Note that we said “on record-eligible courses.” That’s why Eliud Kipchoge’s 1:59:40 in Vienna isn’t on the list from 2019. That time doesn’t count for record purposes because standard competition rules for pacing and fluids weren’t followed. Similarly, times from the Boston course can’t be on the list, because of its point-to-point layout and too-great net elevation drop. Related Story How to ...