The fastest marathon of all time was achieved by the late Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum, who set a men's world record time of 2:00:35. This historic performance took place on October 8, 2023, at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, which was a mixed-sex race.
Men's Marathon World Record
Kelvin Kiptum's record-breaking run is a monumental achievement in the sport of marathon running, pushing the boundaries of human athletic potential. His ability to complete the 42.195-kilometer (26.2-mile) course in just over two hours solidified his place in history as the fastest male marathoner.
Key details of the men's world record:
- Athlete: Kelvin Kiptum (Kenya)
- Record Time: 2:00:35
- Event: 2023 Chicago Marathon (a mixed-sex race)
- Date: October 8, 2023
Women's Marathon World Record
While Kiptum holds the overall fastest time, the women's marathon also features an incredibly fast world record. The women's world record was set by Kenyan athlete Ruth Chepng'etich with a time of 2:09:56.
Key details of the women's world record:
- Athlete: Ruth Chepng'etich (Kenya)
- Record Time: 2:09:56
- Event: 2024 Chicago Marathon (a mixed-sex race)
- Date: October 13, 2024
Summary of Marathon World Records
The table below provides a concise overview of the current fastest times in marathon history, distinguishing between the men's and women's world records:
| Athlete | Time | Gender | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelvin Kiptum | 2:00:35 | Men | October 8, 2023 | 2023 Chicago Marathon |
| Ruth Chepng'etich | 2:09:56 | Women | October 13, 2024 | 2024 Chicago Marathon |
Both of these extraordinary records highlight the elite performances achieved at the Chicago Marathon, a race renowned for its fast course.
