Introduction
Marathons have long been a symbol of human endurance, pushing runners to their limits across arduous 26.2-mile (42.195 km) courses. If you want to run a marathon, the thought of running at a high level is quite motivating. But what do you need to do to be one of the finest marathon runners in the world? In 2025, who are the best marathon runners, and what sets them apart from the rest? This essay looks at the 10 finest marathon runners in the world and talks about their records, accomplishments, and what makes them some of the best athletes of all time.
What Makes a Great Marathon Runner?
It’s not just about speed to be one of the finest marathon runners in the world. Runners in marathons need to have amazing endurance, stamina, and mental strength. These athletes work on every part of their race day preparation, from their diet and workout plans to getting their minds ready. But what really makes the finest stand out is their capacity to smash records and stay on top for a long time.
World Records: What Makes the Best Marathon Runners
One of the best things a marathon runner can do is set a world record. The quickest marathon timings show that a runner can keep up their speed over extended distances.
Consistency
The finest marathon runners do well in big marathons year after year, proving that they are tough.
Mental Toughness
Running a marathon is just as much a mental as a physical challenge. The top athletes keep going even when they are in pain and tired because they want to win.
Training Regimen
The best runners stick to rigid training programs that include long runs, speed work, and recuperation tactics to be at their best.
The Ten Best Marathon Runners in the World
1. Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya
Eliud Kipchoge is a name that has to come up when talking about the best marathon runners. Kipchoge is widely considered to be the best marathon runner of all time. He set the world record for the marathon in 2018 by finishing the Berlin Marathon in an amazing 2:01:39. He stood out from all the other athletes because he was so consistent and could dominate the marathon distance.
The Ineos 1:59 challenge in 2019 saw Kipchoge become the first person to complete a marathon in less than two hours, making history. Even though this wasn’t officially recognized as a world record because it was done in a controlled setting, it nevertheless showed how good he was.
2. Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei
Brigid Kosgei is the clear queen of marathon running. She set the women’s world record for the marathon in 2019 in the Chicago Marathon, finishing in 2:14:04. She won in Chicago by breaking the previous record by more than a minute, which was a lesson in pacing and endurance. Kosgei is an inspiration to everyone because she always runs at the best level in marathons.
3. Kenenisa Bekele from Ethiopia
Kenenisa Bekele is another famous marathon runner. Bekele was a world record holder in both the 5,000m and 10,000m. He switched to marathon racing in 2014 and rapidly became famous. He ran his fastest time, 2:01:41, at the 2019 Berlin Marathon, which is only two seconds behind Kipchoge’s record. Bekele’s amazing performances show that he is one among the most brilliant and adaptable runners in history.
4. Joyciline Jepkosgei from Kenya
Joyciline Jepkosgei, another Kenyan athlete, has made a name for herself as one of the top marathon runners in the world. She achieved a course record of 2:22:38 at the 2019 Chicago Marathon, which was her big break. She has always finished in the top spots in major marathons, which shows her strength and determination in the sport.
5. Geoffrey Kamworor from Kenya
Geoffrey Kamworor is a strong marathon runner who is noted for being good at both marathon races and long-distance events. He has established several world records in the half-marathon and won the New York City Marathon in 2017 and 2019. Kamworor is known for his ability to pace himself well during races and finish strong in the last few miles.
6. Ruth Chepngetich from Kenya
Ruth Chepngetich is another famous Kenyan marathon runner. She is noted for her pace and smart race plans. She broke a new world record for women alone at the 2020 Istanbul Marathon with a time of 2:17:08. This showed how strong she is in both tactical and fast-paced racing. Her remarkable marathon wins make her one of the best marathon runners in the world.
7. Marius Kipserem from Kenya
Marius Kipserem isn’t as well-known as some of the famous names, but he has made a lot of progress in marathon running. His personal best time in the marathon is 2:04:11. He won the Rotterdam Marathon in 2016 and has always been among the best in important races. He is one of the best since he can keep up a fast pace during the whole marathon.
8. Tsegaye Mekonnen from Ethiopia
When Tsegaye Mekonnen established a course record of 2:04:32 at the 2014 Dubai Marathon, he created a big splash in the marathon world. Mekonnen’s big break came when he was very young, and the fact that he can race alongside some of the best athletes in the world demonstrates how dedicated he is to the sport. He is one of the best marathon runners because of his quick thinking and ability to bounce back.
9. Mara Yamauchi from the UK
Mara Yamauchi is one of the best female marathon runners in the UK and one of the best marathoners of all time. Yamauchi has routinely finished in the top spots in major marathons, such as the London Marathon and the Beijing Olympics. Her personal best time of 2:23:12 is still a UK record. She is one of the top female marathon runners of all time because she loves the sport so much.
10. Tirunesh Dibaba from Ethiopia
Tirunesh Dibaba is most known for her achievements in shorter races, but she made a smooth switch to marathon running and has shown a lot of promise. Dibaba is one of the best long-distance runners in the world, and her ability to adapt has allowed her to compete in many different types of races. She still inspires people who run marathons and people who want to run big distances.
The Best Gear for Marathon Runners
It’s not only about having the right running shoes and a healthy diet; the finest marathon runners use high-quality equipment to help them do their best. Some of the nicest things for marathon runners to have are:
- Compression socks enhance blood flow and speed up recuperation after lengthy runs.
- Running watches are important for keeping athletes on target by recording their pace, distance, and heart rate.
- Hydration Packs: These packs make it easy for runners to carry water, which is very important throughout a marathon.
- Foam rollers are great for recuperation after a race because they help keep muscles from getting sore and stiff.
The Best Core Workouts for Marathon Runners
To have proper posture and stability during a marathon, you need to have strong core muscles. These are some of the greatest core workouts for marathon runners:
- Planks: Hold for 30 seconds to 1 minute to strengthen your core and improve your balance.
- Russian Twists: This workout builds strength in your core, which helps you run better.
- Leg Raises: This exercise works the lower abdominal muscles and helps make the core more stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the best marathon runners in the world right now?
Eliud Kipchoge, Brigid Kosgei, Kenenisa Bekele, and Geoffrey Kamworor are some of the best marathon runners in 2025.
2. Which marathon has the most people running in it?
The New York City Marathon is one of the biggest marathons in the world, with more than 50,000 people taking part every year.
3. Is running a marathon good for your health?
When trained correctly, marathon runners can be very healthy since they have better cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance. But training the wrong way or too much can hurt you.
4. What is the quickest time ever recorded for a marathon?
Eliud Kipchoge set the record for the fastest marathon time ever at the 2018 Berlin Marathon. It was 2:01:39.
5. Who is the best marathon runner ever?
Many people think Eliud Kipchoge is the best marathon runner ever because he holds the world record and is the best at the sport.
6. What does it take to be a great marathon runner?
Great marathon runners have a lot of stamina, mental strength, and a commitment to training. They also stick to their nutrition, sleep, and recovery plans.
7. What do marathon runners do to become better after a race?
Marathon runners need to drink enough of water, eat well, stretch, foam roll, and occasionally take a few days off from running to let their muscles repair.
Conclusion
To be one of the top ten best marathon runners, you need to be very dedicated, train a lot, and have a strong mind. These athletes establish records and create new benchmarks for future runners by pushing the limits of what people can do. These marathon runners are the best in the world, from legends like Eliud Kipchoge to up-and-coming talents like Joyciline Jepkosgei.
