The Most Famous Marathon Runner, Ranked

Choose the marathon runner you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 07:09
In the thrilling world of marathons, knowing who leads the pack can be as exhilarating as the race itself. Ranking the most famous marathon runners not only celebrates their endurance and determination but also serves as an inspiration for both seasoned and aspiring athletes. It bridges the gap between historical legends and current champions, sparking fascinating debates among fans. By participating in the voting process, you contribute to a dynamic tally that reflects which athletes truly capture the hearts of the public. This ongoing interaction engages the community and helps track the popularity and impact of runners over time. Your vote helps shape the narrative of marathon running’s elite, ensuring that each runner's legacy is recognized and remembered.

Who Is the Most Famous Marathon Runner?

  1. 1
    36
    votes
    Eliud Kipchoge
    Denis Barthel · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time, Kipchoge is a Kenyan athlete who has won numerous marathon titles, including the Olympic gold medal. He also holds the world record for the fastest marathon time, set in 2018.
    Eliud Kipchoge in other rankings
  2. 2
    29
    votes
    This Ethiopian runner won two Olympic gold medals and set numerous world records in his career, including the marathon. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest distance runners of all time.
    Haile Gebrselassie in other rankings
  3. 3
    21
    votes
    Paula Radcliffe
    Avda · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A British runner who holds the women's world record for the marathon, Radcliffe won numerous major titles in her career, including the London Marathon and New York City Marathon. She is a former world champion and Olympic medalist.
    Paula Radcliffe in other rankings
  4. 4
    22
    votes
    Wilson Kipsang
    Avda · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This Kenyan athlete has won numerous major marathons, including the London Marathon and New York City Marathon. He has also held the world record for the fastest marathon time.
  5. 5
    5
    votes
    Catherine Ndereba
    Eckhard Pecher (Arcimboldo) · CC BY 2.5
    A Kenyan runner who won two Olympic silver medals and four world championship titles, Ndereba is also a four-time winner of the Boston Marathon. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest women's marathon runners of all time.
    Catherine Ndereba in other rankings
  6. 6
    5
    votes
    This American runner won the Boston Marathon in 2014, becoming the first American man to do so in over three decades. He also won the New York City Marathon and a silver medal at the Olympics.
    Meb Keflezighi in other rankings
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    This Norwegian runner won the New York City Marathon an incredible nine times, as well as a silver medal at the Olympics. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female marathon runners of all time.
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    An American runner who won the Olympic gold medal in the marathon in 1972, Shorter also won the New York City Marathon twice. He is considered a pioneer of the modern running movement in the United States.
  9. 9
    12
    votes
    This Kenyan athlete held the women's world record for the marathon in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and won numerous major marathons, including the New York City Marathon. She is also known for her charitable work in Africa.
  10. 10
    7
    votes
    This American runner won the New York City Marathon three times in the early 1980s, and also set several world records in his career. He later became a successful coach and is credited with helping to popularize long-distance running in the United States.

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Ranking factors for famous marathon runner

  1. Records and Achievements
    The number of winning titles, personal bests, world records, and Olympic medals achieved by the runner. 2. Longevity: The duration of their career and performance consistency over time. 3. Impact on the sport: Their role in inspiring and motivating others to take up the sport of long-distance running. 4. Popularity: The athlete's level of recognition, media coverage, and fan following. 5. Charisma: The runner's personality traits and image in the public eye.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous marathon runner. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Runner is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1567 views
  • 159 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Runner once every 24 hours. The rank of each Runner is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous marathon runner

Marathons have become incredibly popular over the years, with people from all over the world participating in these iconic races. However, there are a few runners who have stood out from the crowd and have become household names when it comes to marathons. These runners have not only broken records but have also inspired people to take up running and push themselves to their limits. One such runner is Eliud Kipchoge, a Kenyan long-distance runner who has won numerous marathons and even set the world record for the fastest ever marathon time. Another famous marathon runner is Tegla Loroupe, also from Kenya, who has won several marathons and is also known for her humanitarian work. Other famous marathon runners include Haile Gebrselassie from Ethiopia, who has won multiple Olympic medals and set world records in both the marathon and half marathon distances. Paula Radcliffe from the UK is another iconic marathon runner, who has also set world records and won numerous marathon titles. These runners have not only achieved incredible feats in the world of marathons but have also inspired many others to take up running and strive for greatness. They have become role models for aspiring runners all over the world, and their legacies will continue to inspire generations to come.

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